|
|
Michigan Select Michigan Counties
The present member of congress from this district is the Hon. George Willard, of Battle Creek. He is a gentleman of enlarged and liberal views, a ripe scholar, pure morals, a statesman, and an accomplished gentleman. He is an honor to this district.
I append hereto an extract from the eloquent oration delivered at Battle Creek, July 4th, 1876, on account of the local interest which it excites. The orator upon this occasion was the Hon. Leonidas D. Dibble. The first celebration of the Fourth of July held in Battle Creek was in 1835. It was between Sands McCamley's house and the junction of the river-Judge McCamly presiding. Elder Adams delivered the oration, and Moses Hall read the Declaration of Independence. The occasion was a pleasant one, and heartily enjoyed by all. The day closed with toasts and responses, after which several hundred Indians came in and devoured the remnants. In those days matrimony was difficult of accomplishment. The day for the wedding was fixed, and the justice of the peace was notified to be ready. It was on his " ague day." In the morning he attempted to fortify himself by taking a large dose of quinine, and at noon repeated this precaution by taking a larger dose, and by the time the wedding party arrived, the justice was delirious, but the ready wit of his wife was sufficient to carry all through. The justice was taken to the well and drenched with cold water, and for a short time consciousness returned, and seizing that moment the parties were married. Moses
Hall was the justice, and Mr. Frank Thomas and Miss Amanda Goddard were the wedded pair.
In the expressive language of another, we can truly say that "the first settlers of the wilderness have a peculiar experience which the country, once occupied and improved, can never afford.
Michigan Counties
Page 51
|
|
|
|
|
|