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BATTLE CREEK BY A. D. P. VAN BUREN
Author of different politics, they were both members of the Universalist church, both thrifty farmers and good citizens.
Honest toil and true worth always met cheer and encouragement from Graham. It did him more good to shake hands with a rail-splitter was toiling to clear up his farm, and improve the country, than with a
dignitary or a president. "Why, Greeley, " said he to the philosopher of Chap-paqua, whom he met at Battle Creek on his first visit to that place, "I expected to see you in your old drab coat and white hat; and looking altogether more seedy than you do. " Well, Friend Graham, " replied Greeley, "Battle Creek is an enterprising town and I thought I would sleek up a little when I came here. As to the old drab coat, it did finally wear out. I have one somewhat like it, but probably not as good, as the old one was an exceedingly good coat. "
It made no difference with plain-spoken Stephen Graham to whom he was talking, he treated all alike; whether of high or low position, he had the same frank, direct manner in addressing everybody. He heartily despised sham, fraud, or cheat. As illustrative of this, I give an incident that Mr. Graham once related to me: In the days when he drank ardent spirits rather freely, being in town one day, he had taken a jug of whisky home with him, and not wishing his family and friends to know anything about the matter, he hid the jug in his barn, "and then, " says he, "when I wanted a drink I would go out on the sly and steal a swig from myself! I did this till I saw I was a cheat and a thief, and I hated myself until I broke that jug of whisky and swore off drinking ardent spirits.
Michigan
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