| Term | Definition |
| Chapter 1.1 | The Lapham household wakes to another day of work. Character descriptions are given according to their relationship, job, and size. |
| Chapter 1.2 | After the Laphams eat breakfast, Mr. Lapham has Johnny read scripture about pride. Johnny has to make an oath to walk more humbly before God and man. |
| Chapter 1.3 | John Hancock come to the Lapham silversmith shop and orders a sugar basin to be delivered in one week. |
| Chapter 1.4 | Johnny works overtime in the heat trying to make a wax mold to replicate the pitcher handle while Cilla works on a stamp design and learns Johnny has a middle name that starts with an “L.” |
| Chapter 1.5 | Johnny carries Isannah to the wharf for fresh air because Cilla said she was sick. Johnny tells the girls the story of his middle name. |
| Chapter 1.6 | Johnny shows Cilla the family heirloom; the silver cup |