Rensselaer Union, Volume 6, Number 21, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 12 February 1874 — Labors of a Pioneer. [ARTICLE]

Labors of a Pioneer.

Editors Union:—Monday morning, January 10th, I started through the lain to the northeast corner of Pulaski county, by request, to organize a Grange of the Patrons of Husbandry. Arriving at W. Overmyer’s, eight miles northeast of Winamac, at three o’clock in the afternoon, circulated the word by Miss Overmyer the teacher in her school, that I would be at the school house at half past six o’clock that evening to explain the objects of the Order. At the time appointed, I found a goodly crowd assembled, and talked to them in my awkward and humble manner.— Thirty names were soon obtained and an organization was affected with W. Ernsberger W. M., and W. Overmyer Secretary. Tuesday morning I started out again through the rain to Fulton county. Around Bruce’s Lake 1 wended my cheerless way, amid the music of pattering drops and flying mud dashed from my horses’ feet.— Arrived at Esquire Bennett’s in Union township at three o’clock p. m. and circulated the word by runners and in the school of my arrival and purpose. At niglit met a large crowd at the school house. Forty or fifty young men and boys brought their Jew'sharps and horse-fiddles along to have some fun, and swore I should not have the house to,stir up strife in the neighborhoods—A vote being taken, fifty of the better class of people voted iu my favor to forty against me, I ob- ; mined possession, and with my Irish up I silenced their batteries in about one hour, after which twenty-three names were enrolled and I organized Union Grange with J. E. Henderson W. M. and W. Myers4?eeretary T thus bringing order out of chaos. Wendesday morning went north.to Aubbeenaubbee township, Fulton county, and found a large crowd of Pennsylvania Germans assembled at Mr. J. Wentzel’s, wherel.had previously arranged to meet them. After inhaling the fumes from twenty-five or thirty Dutch pipes, I succeeded in convincing them that the Grange was a good Order for them to cherish.— Twenty-two names were enrolled and Aubbeenaubbee (Big Indian), Grange was organized with J. W. Myers W. M. and Peter Wentzel Secretary. After enjoying the hospitalities of Uncle J. Wentzel, and learning that Hon. Stephen Davison ex-Member of the Legislature had received an appointment as Deputy for Fulton county, I started home. Arriving at Winamac after night, I wheeled up to the Carper House drenched to the hide and suffering, with sick headache. Retired early without supper, and rose early next morning. Purchased a money order of the Post Master, noble-hearted J. Kiser, for the Secretary of the National Grange at Washington, D. C. Visited the County Treasurer’s office to pay some tax, finding Uncle Jakey Byers at his post. After a general handshaking with old friends G. W 1 Burson, Sheriff Starr, P. J. Falvey, C. G. Hartman, G. T. AVickersham, Freeman, etc., ordered my team and bid Winamac adieu. Raining harder, mud knee deep and low-spirited, I traveled that pleasant valley which intervenes between Winamac and Francesville, and arrived home after four days’ absence. Loss of sleep and exposure has housed me, hence these thoughts.— Hope you will not feel disinclined to give them publicity. • Fraternally yours, J. G. Culp, Deputy.