Page:Samuel F. Batchelder - Bits of Harvard History (1924).pdf/353

 In Mr. Hastings’s time, also, the caprices of the University’s working-force began to attract public notice. At least one member of the staff achieved international fame. This was Matthew Abdy,—or Abbey,—the “sweeper and bed-maker.” He was the son of a Boston Harbor fisherman, and during his prime followed the same apostolic calling. But in 1718, having weathered the storms of threescore years and more, he was raised to the rank of sweeper “upon probation”—apparently with the understanding that he should be confirmed in office when his age should warrant it. He was assigned the care, singlehanded, of “Stoughton House and the President’s House.” Being childless, though thrice wed, he was of course christened “Father” Abdy. He was noted for his diminutive size, perhaps almost dwarfish, So small of Stature that beyond all Doubt Death used his Spectacles to find him out,— and for the true nautical bonhomie with which he broke his shafts of wit with all comers, especially when he was in liquor, his normal condition—but who has a better right than a fisherman bed-maker to have “three sheets in the wind”? By what other personal attractions he rose to popularity we are not advised; but clearly this