The Man Who Stole A Meeting-House: 1878, From "Coupon Bonds"

"The Man Who Stole A Meeting-House" by J. T. Trowbridge is a humorous tale written in the late 19th century. This novella combines elements of social commentary with satire, unveiling the foolishness of extreme frugality through the absurd exploits of its protagonist. The story revolves around a man named Jedwort, whose miserliness drives him to absurd lengths, including the theft of a community meeting-house. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of the narrator's traveling companion, who recounts the story of Old Jedwort and his family. As the tale progresses, we learn about Jedwort's oppressive nature, his relentless pursuit of wealth, and the impact of his behavior on his wife and children. The plot thickens when Jedwort decides to claim the old meeting-house as part of his property and attempts to fence it in, asserting a ridiculous claim to the abandoned church. As tensions rise within the community and among his family, an unexpected turn of events, including a fire that destroys the meeting-house, leads to Jedwort's temporary insanity. Ultimately, the tale concludes with Jedwort's return to sanity, revealing the positive changes his family has experienced in his absence, highlighting themes of redemption and the importance of community support.