From Chronicles of the time, it is learned that every one, especially young men, were taught a trade in those days. Presley had been taught the trade of woodwork so it came in conveniently and profitably for him to become a cooper or barrel maker when he became so afflicted with rheumatism that he was reduced to walking with crutches. He could not content himself with an idle life after being so active and engaging in so many pursuits for a livelihood. Polly was the one to "tote and fetch" as he was unable to walk, unaided. Many articles of great use and convenience were made by that craftsman of old—chairs (called split—bottomed), ladder-back chairs (One in present use being nearly 3/4 century old or older —this written by an unknown author), trays, bowls for butter, trays for breadmaking, axe handles, etc. All was of the best and most skillful workmanship. As remembered, a "shaving horse" was used. It was a long piece of wood, thick, one end raised by two upright pieces to the height of a chair and the other extreme end resting on the floor. At the elevated end was, as remembered, a clamp by which the stick or piece could be held in place. For this work, a drawing knife was used for shaving or shaping the wood as desired.

In the long evenings, Presley read (and aloud) by the light of the candle the news in city weeklies, Acts and Workings of Congress, etc., all of which was listened to respectfully by "Grandmother" (as recalled by their children and grandchildren).

Their home was not so very unlike homes of neighbors in the surrounding countryside, yet a difference could be felt rather than explained; thrift, where hospitality and comfort were found; also evidence of interest keenly felt in events of past occurrences in the history of their country.

One object of worthwhile interest was the old Clock, ever faithfully reminding all of passing time, with a record for accuracy. One source of studied interest were pictures on the wall; large prints protected by frame and glass, one especially—a number of small vessels making their way, seemingly with great difficulties, among huge blocks of ice; one particularly of the vessels in which was standing a prominent-looking person who seemed directing the movements of the men, "The Father of our Country" as we were told, making that memorable Christmas entrance into Trenton, successfully surprising the enemy.

Polly had dishes, called delft, of beauty as well as of use-pieces of thin, eggshell thickness; also bowls of different sizes, with rich floral designs, with quaint-looking figures of people in gay attire, all in vivid colorings. Besides roomy pieces of furniture, heavy and useful, much interest was found in a good collection of books, libraries not to be found as commonly as at present. Among titles recalled were, "Signers of Declaration of Independence", "Corner Cupboard", "Inquire Within" -- these last two books with their thousands of "facts" must have been the forerunners of books of knowledge, of more recent date; other books, "The Throne of David " or "Rebellion of Prince Absolom", a most interesting, instructive book—but best of all, and most precious with Grandmother, was the old Family Bible. It is called old, for tho' cared for, it shows signs of use. It must have been with the family all along the journey of life. Large, almost square, it had coarse leaves with large print, also unusual pictures. Our grandmother read regularly in this book, especially on Sundays. Often, when none of the family were near except the small children, she sang songs, only two as recalled were heard, "There is a Fountain Filled with Blood" and one other, "Oh, Come, Angel Band, Come and Around Me Stand,"

When one, especially a child, was eagerly telling something, perhaps to them of great import, she would say gently, "Can you prove it?" Again, when one was most positive arid certain, or expressed determination to go a certain place, she would say, "If the Lord wills, I will do such or will go to such a place". In this way, she showed her attitude about everyday ideas of life.