Old Ebenezer

"Old Ebenezer" by Opie Percival Read is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Sam Lyman, a school teacher who has moved from Vermont to the laid-back town of Old Ebenezer in hopes of finding a fresh start. As he pursues a career in law, Lyman’s journey is intertwined with the eccentric local characters, including the wealthy banker McElwin and his daughter Eva, along with various humorous circumstances that unfold in their small-town setting. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Lyman, who has settled into his role as a school teacher but yearns for something more fulfilling. His ambition drives him to study law and seek a partnership with a local attorney. The community's colorful residents, such as Uncle Buckley Lightfoot, provide a backdrop of humor and wisdom that underscores the peculiarities of small-town life. Lyman's aspirations come to a significant turning point when he becomes inadvertently entangled in a farcical marriage with McElwin's daughter, which sets off a series of comical and tumultuous events that challenge his values and ambitions. The opening chapters lay the groundwork for a story rich with character development and situational humor.