Page County Virginia Submitted Family Information for Lucy Eve Beahm Submitted by Laury Hembree

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Lucy Eve Beahm b.31 May 1869 d.03 March 1902 was the daughter of Daniel L. and Mary Teresa Lehew Beahm. She married William Lee Judd b.02 April 1863 d.07 Jan 1943 on 06 Feb 1895.

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I found an old composition book my great grandmother, Lucy Eve Beahm, wrote in while she was at Von Bora College in Luray back in 1888-1890. She used a quill and ink pen, and had a beautiful hand writing. Education in Luray back in the old days must have been exceptionally good.
Laury Hembree

Compositions

Lucy was born on May 31, 1869 in Virginia on a large farm near the Shenandoah River, in the Springfield district (Kimball Rd) about 2 miles north of the small town of Luray. Lucy was the youngest of 7 children. Her oldest sister, Amanda, died when she was 8 years old, and Lucy never knew her. She and her siblings were raised during and shortly after the Civil War. They grew up in a loving, Christian home with plenty of siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents nearby. From all the research I have done so far, Lucy seemed like an outgoing, vibrant soul who enjoyed being around people, and who enjoyed riding horses with her sisters. Hmmm! ;)  Sounds like someone I would've liked! When Lucy grew up, she went to Luray High school and Von Bora Teachers College. She had to board there with other students. Von Bora College was a large 3 story mansion type of building on Main Street in Luray.   In 1889, when she was 20 years old, she was assigned to write several composition books. We only have one of them here, probably the last composition book she wrote before graduating.     Lucy and many of her older sisters learned to be teachers, and were assigned school houses to work at.  Lucy taught for about 6 years or so until she got married to William Lee Judd, a farmer and merchant, who lived in the Morningstar area. After a teacher got married, she was no longer allowed to be employed as a public school teacher anymore. Her place was now in the home, taking care of her husband and soon-to-be children. The family attended the Church of the Brethern down the road for many years. Lee helped to pay for a bell for the church, anonymously. He said, "Never let your left hand know what your right hand is doing."  He wanted God to have all the glory for the great gift he gave the church, and did not want praise for it.   After Lucy and William (Lee) got married in 1895,  Lee built her a pretty white farmhouse in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains, overlooking a pretty green valley in Jewell Hollow. After he carried his bride over the threshold, they had 3 children over a period of about 6 years. One boy and two girls. Mary was born in 1896, Roy in 1898, and Estelle in 1900.  Anyway, Lucy - with her curly dark blonde hair and blue eyes -- must have been loved by many people. Because after her death in 1902, a great sadness filled their whole family and community. She had a miscarriage in mid pregnancy, and a couple days later, Lucy died of childbed fever, an infection that can kill quickly in those days. Can you imagine how baby Estelle felt, at only a month shy of being 2 years old, losing her mommy? She was barely weaned and was used to seeing her mom everyday, and then suddenly she was gone. Lee (Estelle's dad) was equally grief stricken. He never was the same again after his beloved's death.   The following are transcribed entries out of Lucy's composition book, written in 1889-1890 when she was in Von Bora Teacher's College. She writes about various subjects such as Molasses, Books, The Power of Kindness, Modesty, The Beautiful, Henry VIII, Description of the Recitation Room, The Mountains, A City, Christmas, More Books, School Life, The Essentials of a Good School, Oxygen, Water, The Importance of Study, The Bible, Creation, and various letters. . Notice, too, in these letters the innocence and sweetness of youth. An innocence that is rare in this day and time. In her own beautiful handwriting and in her own words, even including grammatical errors, and language of the day, I hope you will get as much of out it as I have...   In a composition, they have to use a specific word several times (this is the assignment), so you will notice her use of the same word or phrase many times throughout. Laury

The Power of Kindness: Miss Lucy Beahm March 1889   Kindness has great power. If we are kind to anyone we will never be forgotten, but if we are not kind we are soon forgotten. Even the brutes will think more of a person if they treat them kindly. Even they know when one speaks kindly to them. Little children will like a person better if they speak kindly to them than if they speak cross. Some children cry as if they were hurt if anyone scolds them. But if they speak kindly to them, they will go and kiss them. If teachers are kind to their scholars they will love them, but if they are cross and scold them, the scholars do not care if they ever see them again. But if they are kind to them, they are always glad to see the teacher, and will always remember how kind they were to them. Kind words will never be forgotten. Kindness, even in some measures, communicates itself.

MODESTY   Modesty is the ground on which all a woman's charms appear to the best advantage. In manners, dress, and conversation, remember always that modesty must never be forgotten. If we banish modesty out of the world, a woman loses all of her principal charms. Nothing can attone for the want of modesty. A modest person seldom fails to gain the good will of those he converses with. Modest is silent when it would be improper to speak. Modesty is the chastity of merit, the virginity of noble souls. The first of all virtues is innocence, the next is modesty. Some people think that to be modest is to be old fashioned, and of course they want the newest fashions in all things. Nothing is more lovely than true modesty, and nothing more contemptible than that which is false. True modesty is ashamed to do anything that is unwilling to right reason. False modesty is ashamed to do anything that is opposite to the humor of those with whom the party converses. True modesty avoids everything that is criminal. Modesty makes us cast down our eyes in the presence of whatever is sinful. Lucy Beahm, (grade 96)

THE BEAUTIFUL   What a beautiful world we live in. Nature gives us a grandeur of mountains, glens, and oceans, and thousands of means of enjoyments. The spring, how beautiful everything looks when they are green, and the fruit trees when they are hanging full of bloom that will soon be nice fruit. And the beautiful fields which are covered with green grass and grain, how beautiful they look! The sweet little flowers how they are putting forth their buds to bloom to cheer some lonely cottage - how sweet they smell! We can look all around us and see the beautiful green mountains. The sun, how bright it shines to the trees and grass and plants to make them put forth their leaves. The beautiful little birds how beautiful they are and how sweetly they sing. When we are lonesome and hear how beautiful they sing, it makes us feel happy. And when we look above us and see how beautiful the sky is, and the stars which shines so bright, oh how beautiful they look! Lucy Beahm, (grade- 97)

BOOKS   Books are very useful to have. If it were not for books we would be very ignorant. There are many different kinds of books. Some are very good to read and others are not. The Bible is a good book for us to read, it tells us how we must act and tells if we are not Christians, what will become of us.   "The Wells Spring of Truth", and "The Royal Path of Life", and "Christ in the Camp" are all good books for anyone to read. And many others.   Our school books are good books for us to study. If it were not for them we would not know anything about the world we live in, and about the different people living in the world. If we did not have books, we would not know anything about it. There are many different kinds of books. Some are made much better than others, some are very large and some small.   Miss Lucy Beahm March 1889 (grade - 94)

Molasses   It is a very sweet syrup. The stalk from which it is made grows very tall and looks something like corn, the stalk is more juicey than any other of it's kind.   It is raised more or less throughout the country. It is manufactured in different ways. First the juice is pressed from the stalk, and boiled in kettles, or evaporators or some other way. But of all the different ways it can be made, it is nothing but molasses.   You can also make taffy, which is very good but is very sticky. When little children eat it, it seems to stick very tightly to them, and they do not look very sweet, even if they have something sweet on them. Some molasses is very bright, and some black, it seems as though it is all called molasses, it ought to be the same color, unless those who make it think that some people are white, and some are black, and they think they have to make it to suit them. I once heard a little boy say he ate molasses, drank molasses, and soaped molasses. I think he must have been very sweet if molasses made him so. Lucy Beahm (grade -94)

A Very Silly Letter (this must show the sense of humor Lucy had)   Helena, Montavena Oct. 5, 1889   Dear Ella, One day my little dog asked me for a bone. I went to my cupboard and found none, and the poor little fellow looked at me so hard as much as to say I am so hungry! He is 4 feet tall and weighs 200 lbs. His nose is in a square and his teeth comes out 5 miles from his head, and square eyes. Just before he died I bought him a little red dress with little yellow bows. The day that I had nothing for him to eat, I gave him a piece of candy, he swallowed it whole, and had indigestion of the brain. I was kept awake all night rubbing his dear little head but by morning he fell a sleep.   Your Friend, Old Mother Hubbard

Henry VIII   Henry was 18 years of age, a handsome generous and popular prince. But he changed much in disposition as he grew older. He was king 38 years. He was a very bad king. He was very wasteful, and wasted in a few years the great fortune he inherited. By act of Parliament Henry stood at the head of both State and Church. during the session of Parliament if Henry's name were but mentioned in his absesnce, the members would rise and bow before the vacant throne. Henry made peace with the French King, Louis XII, giving him in marriage the hand of his eldest sister Mary. In 1520, there was a meeting between Henry and the new king of France, Francis I. The place of the meeting has been called the "The Field of the Cloth of Gold", from the magnificence of the display. Henry had six wives, he was divorced from two of them and had three of them killed, only one survived him, Catherine Parr. He had two daughters, Mary by Catherine of Arragon, and Elizabeth by Anne Boleyn. And one son Edward by Jane Seymour. Henry bequeathed the crown to his son Edward. When the people knew he was going to die, they were afraid to tell him, they were afraid he would punish them. But at last he became conscious he was going to die, and then he sent for Cranner who had retained his favor to the last, pressed his hand and died.   Miss Lucy Beahm (grade - 90) Oct. 1889 V.B. College Luray, Va. The last for Miss Jennings

Description of the Recitation Room   Nov. 1889   It is a long room about twenty four feet long and eight feet wide. It is the shame of a corn crib. It has two windows and two doors.The windows have four glasses in each of them. The sashes are painted red and the facings are painted a drab color. The doors are painted the same color as the window facings. The room is plastered and whitewashed. The furniture is not very common. It consists of two stoves. One is a very large one that is placed in one of the room for an ornament, the other has fire in it. And it also has three boxes. One has excelsior and hay, and one has old shoes, and some other ornaments, the other one has coal in it for fuel.   It also has a box of chalk and two black boards. One of these is nailed to the wall, the other one stands on two legs. Beneath the first blackboard is a trough, which is full of chalk and rubbers. One library and two shelves that are full of bottles, glass tubes, boxes, paper, and one clock which has come to stand still. It contains a great many things our Teacher uses for experiments, which are very interesting. As this is all the furniture I see, I will not say anymore. Lucy Beahm Nov. 1889

The Mountain   Mountains are high elevations of land, covered with trees and bushes. They are of great benefit. They protect us from the hard winds. The tops of them condense the moisture which is brought by the winds from the sea into rain or snow. If the continents were entirely level, the winds would often sweep across them from sea to sea without letting a drop of water fall upon the land.   The principal Mountains in the United States are the Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevada, and Appalachian Mountains. They contain some very valuable minerals, such as gold, silver, iron, copper, etc. But the principal ones are found in the Rocky Mountains.   The height of the mountains is always reckoned from the level of the sea. We can measure the height of a mountain by means of a barometer. Some mountains are so very high that it is so cold on their tops, the snow does not melt during the whole year.   Luray, Va.

A City   A City is an incorporated town. It has wide streets, brick pavements, fine public buildings, etc. They are located on water courses and in places where people are thickly settled, and where there is a thriving industry. They are thus situated for the carrying on of commerce with other counties.   Cities are of great advantage. They have good institutions of learning, and excellent public and private schools, and everything is so much more convenient than they are in the country.   The disadvantages are, people have all the vegetables they eat to buy, and all the fruit they get, they have to buy it. Whenever they want to go any where, they have to hire a buggy and horse, unless they keep one of their own, but to keep a horse in the city is expensive. A town has to have 8,000 inhabitants before it becomes a city.

Christmas   The Principal of our school was so kind as to give us two weeks of Christmas vacation. They were the shortest weeks I ever spent. I enjoyed them very much. On Christmas Day, I was at a dinner where I met a good number of my friends whom I had not seen for a long while. At night, I went to a Christmas-tree about two miles from home. The tree was very full of nice presents. I got a nice book and a toilet set which I appreciated very much. On Thursday night, I was at a singing party, but they did not sing much for most of them had colds and could not sing. On Saturday, I was at a turkey dinner at my sister's which I enjoyed very much. The crowd stayed until night, and we all played and enjoyed ourselves very much. Sunday evening, I took a long horse back ride which I enjoyed very much. My sister and two of my friends were with me, and we rode about five miles and stopped a short while at my uncle's, and returned about seven o'clock. On New Year's Day, I was at an Oyster Supper. It was delightful. Well that is all I will write this time.   January 9, 1890 Luray, Virginia Lucy Beahm

School Life   School life is the time we acquire our knowledge and habits. We should always try to associate with good persons, because they have great influence for good over us. We should always try to learn those things that will be useful to us when we are grown up. One who goes to school and learns to write a beautiful hand and read well, and knows a great many other things is much more respected than one that cannot. Some times we think school life is very hard, especially when we have difficult lessons to recite. I think the most difficult one I have is to write a composition. School life is more pleasant when we have good teachers, which I think we have. Some people say our school days are our happiest days, but we don't know it until they are over. Some of my school days were very happy, while others were not. When we leave our homes to start to school, it is very sad, for we do not know what kind of teachers we will have, nor what kind of school mates. But when we are together for awhile, we get so attached to each other that we are saddened to part when the session closes. Lucy Beahm

 

Kimball, Virginia May 30, 1887   Lucy  Beahm, Presented by a Friend   Go little book thy destined course pursue Collect memorials of the just and true, And beg of ever friend so near Some token of remembrance dear.. May 31, 1887	If A husband you should get And this book should see Tell him of your youthfull days And kiss him Once for me   Written for my dear old girl Annie Nov. 21, 1893
Remember me when death shall close My eyelids for their last refrose And when the evening wind shall wave The grass above my lonely grave SM Beahm	Dear Lucy- May your path be smooth and even, May your heart no sorrow know, May your journey end in heaven Where no tears shall ever flow. In the wish of .-.-
Dearest friend Lucy, May your never change except in name. Catch me if you can X.Y.Zebra   1889	Kimball Virginia, June 25, 1888   My Dear Cousin Lucy May the angels make for thee a crown of immortality Your affectionate cousin, J.J. Beahm
For Cousin Lucie. When I am far away, Will you dear Lucie think of me. And for me will pray, Just as I will do for thee Your Devoted Cousin, M.E.L July 22, 1888	When you get married and washing dishes Think of me and my good wishes, Your Friend, Hattie K.
Staunton Va.   Dear Lucy, Never forget the delightful school days that we have spent together at V.B.C. and remember that when I am far away from thee, I am as true as ever. Your friend, Margurite	Dear Lucy, Some friends may wish thee free from care; others joy and wealth. Some may wish you blessings rare; long life and perfect health. My wish for thee is better far than all others have given. That when you frm this world depart you soul may rest in heaven. Lovingly, Ella
Sailing down The Stream of LIfe In your little bark canoe May you have a pleasant trip With just room enough for two. Your faithful friend, Mab Front Royal Sept. 8, 1892	V.B.College   My dear Lucy, When distant hills divide us And you no more I see Remember there is one Who will always think of thee Your devoted room mate L.A.K. Milnes Dec. 9, 1889
To Lucie True Friends like diamonds Precious but rare, False ones like autumn leaves Found everywhere. From your friend, Mollie Rochelle, Va.	My Dear Lucy In the Book of Life, Gods Album May your name be penned with care And may all who here may write Write their names forever there Let us never forget our first meeting. And may the friendship there begun end only with life in fond remembrance. Maggie Kimball Sept. 8, 1892
To One I love.   Speak of one kindly where life's dreams are oir. Speak of me gently where I am no more. Se suvenir le in a demoiselle gin ecrit cille. Your true friend Mildred L. May 1890	Dear Lucie Within this book so pure and white Let none but friends presume to write And every line in friendship given Direct the readers mind to heaven Your friend R.E.G.
Dear Lucy, Loyal Friendship pure and true Remember me and I will you Lovingly Yours, Sadie J.	Dear Lucie,   When you are sitting all alone reflecting over the past Remember you have a friend that will forever last Yours as ever, BE.F. June 8, 1891 Kimball, Va.
The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear. Your true friend, Annie Strickler Luray, Va. May 1890	Dear Lucy,   In the golden chains of friendship regard me as a link. Lena
To Dear Lucie, May the silver waves that Bear you heavenward be Filled with love's whisperings Your Chum, Z. May 14, 1889	VB College   Dear Lucie, Let us not love in word Neither in tongue,but in Deed and in truth. Your true friend, Sadie Sims Dec. 15, 1889 Rochelle, Va
Sweet is the twilight hour When to our God tis given Sweet is faith, hope and love But sweeter far is Heaven. Your Loving Cousin, Bettie Beahm Luray June 16, 1891	Ever remember "that a good name is rather to be chosen than great riches". Your fond schoolmate, A. Hershberger Dec. 18,1889 V.B.C.
Dear Lucy, May thy joys be as deep as the ocean, they sorrows as light as its foam Your devoted Chum, L.E.L.L. Fry Phila. Dec. 18,1889

 

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