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BATTLE CREEK BY A. D. P. VAN BUREN
The following nice distinction we have never heard equaled in any court room: The complainant in a lawsuit, in which Dorrance was plaintiff, was testifying, as the latter thought, falsely; this he could not brook, and rebuked him with "you lie, sir!" Whereupon, the court censured Dorrance, saying it could not allow such language to be used. This put the chivalry bachelor on his dignity, and he thus explained: "Your Honor, had I said to this manyou lie! I ought to have been fined for contempt of court. But I said, you lie, sir! which last word 'sir' raised the expression from any vulgar meaning, and instead of slandering the man I honored him by its use. " The court, no doubt astonished at this profound distinction, waived all censure, and proceeded with the trial.
At one time Dorrance attempted to satisfy his curiosity concerning the Indian mound on his farm by digging into it. The Indians observing him at work on the mound with his spade, threatened him to such a degree that he was afraid to remain in this part of the country. He was gone something over a year before he came back. The red men were the only people that Dorrance Williams had trouble with that he did not sue. He died at his home on the prairie some twenty-five years ago.
ANDREW REBS.
He was born in West Stockbridge, Mass., on the 4th of February, 1790. At an early age he removed to Broome county, N". Y., and subsequently lived in Victor and Perrington in the same State. In 1835 he came to Michigan, bringing with him a wife and nine children, all of whom are still living. For forty years he has lived on the farm which he then selected for a home, aĞd which he made beautiful and productive by his energy and intelligent industry.
Michigan
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