Keziah Coffin

"Keziah Coffin" by Joseph Crosby Lincoln is a tale set in the quaint village of Trumet, where Mrs. Keziah Coffin, a seamstress suddenly finds herself at a crossroads following the death of her brother, Solomon. Initially planning to seek new opportunities in Boston, Keziah's life takes an unexpected turn as she is presented with prospects that entangle her further in the very community she intended to leave, setting the stage for a story about independence and unexpected romance. The story opens with her preparing to depart, the air thick with fog and small-town chatter, including the arrival of the new minister, Reverend John Ellery. Amidst these changes, Keziah's sharp wit and down-to-earth approach shine through her struggles with money, a situation made even more complicated by the clumsy advances of Kyan Pepper. Ultimately, Keziah decides to stay, becoming the new minister's housekeeper, promising a journey filled with personal growth and the unfolding dynamics of village life.