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BATTLE CREEK BY A. D. P. VAN BUREN
One such a farmer as Uncle Rees, in a neighborhood, was worth much as an example to others. Mankind would soon begin to retrograde, if we did not have some one to push ahead with something new and better as an improvement on the old. Much of what we do in one period is pushed aside by those who come after us. In 1836 the ox team was used to plow, to go to mill, to town, and to church. Our worthy old pioneer used to take his family to church on Sundays in Battle Creek, with his ox team. What a contrast to the costlv turn-outs that some of our farmers drive to church now-
We give a leaf from Uncle Rees's life during the palmy days of the old Whig party.
In the spring of 1841 the Whigs, of Battle Creek, for the first time, carried the town; electing Dr. Orlando Moffatt Supervisor. This was a great victory for the Whigs over their time honored old foe—the Democrats. And they celebrated it with all the pomp and circumstance of parade they could muster, in a grand jubilee meeting at the "Old American, " then kept by Uncle John Rogers. At this meeting, Andrew Rees was made chairman. He presided in the happiest of spirits on this glorious occasion. The opening formalities over, the speeches were made, the refreshments were partaken of, and toasts, rich, piquant, and pithy, followed. These, some dozen in all, were introduced by "Uncle Star who stepped forward, and flourishing a bottle of chanipagne in each hand, cried out, "Here are the instruments we beat m enemies with!"
Michigan
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