Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 222, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 October 1917 — STILL GOT THEIR NICKNAMES [ARTICLE]

STILL GOT THEIR NICKNAMES

Fond Father Vainly Imagined He Could Protect His Offspring From the Common Lot William Williams hated nicknames. He used to say that most fine given names were ruined by abbreviation, which was a sin and a shame. “I, myself,” he said, “am one of six brothers. We were all given good old-fash-ioned Christian names, but all of those names were shortened Into meaningless or feeble monosyllables by our friends. I shall name my children so that It will be Impracticable to curtail their nafnes.” The Williams family, In the course of time, was blessed with five children, all boys. The oldest was named after the father —William. Of course that could be shortened to “Will” or .enfeebled to "Willie”—but wait 1 A second son came, and was christened Willard. “Ahal” chuckled Mr. Williams. “Now everybody will have to speak the full name of each of these boys, In order to distinguish them.” In pursuance of this scheme, the aext three sons were named Wilbert, Wilfred and Wilmot. The five boys are now respectively known to their Intimates as Bill, Skinny, Dutch, Chuck and Kid. —Cleveland Plain Dealer.