Fremont journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County [Ohio]) 1853-1866, 1854-11-17

lnOSe VINO oppose tue Oruer, whose urSt
great commands to all the brotherhood are,
10 visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bu-
ry the dead, and educate the orphan are
only excusable on the grounds of ignorance,
and most fervently do pray, Father for
give them, for they know not what they
do ;"
"You know, dear Charles" said Mary,
al have always lived with my uncle, and
my sentiments on all such subjects are but
echoes of his own. | have always been
taught to regard all secret societies with a
holy horror, but confess | have never en-
quired aught in relation to them, feeling no
interest in them. But so much confidence
have in you, that the simple fact Of your
being an Odd Fellow, is to me a sufficient
guarantee of their good objects and inten
tions; but my uncle's opposition 10 them will
| fear, not give way SO easily and so strong
is ii, am afraid he would make your i'm
mediate Sithdrawal condition to our mar.
riage, were he aware of it,
Well, pet do not ;ell him; let him find
it out for himself, which he will undoubt-
edly do ere the year which is to elapse be-
fore our nuptials are celebrated has half
passed, and worry no more in regard to II.
If am not much mistaken in the man, he
will yet be an Odd Fellow while you am
sure, will be a Daughter Of Re5ekah. |
will to night bring you some works which,
by giving you an insight to our Order will
materially change youl sentiment !"
They now changed the topic, and soon
arrived at home, and separated for the time
being.
Time passed on. Spring wore away, and
summer, with all its heat and dust, was AT
hand. Our young friends were together all
the time that Dr. Wilton could spare from
bis professional duties, which were now ar
duous in the extreme. The neghboring
city of st. Louis was infested with cholera,
and hundreds were dying each day. Still
the inhabitants Of A--felt little fear
secure in their healthy location, pure air,
and ceanly habits. One night in July,
however, stranger stopped at one of the
hotels, and was soon after taken with Sc
we're cramp and other violent symptoms
DR.. Wilton was summoned, and immedl-
ately pronounced it the cholera The dire
N"o oOOl ItdCutO upG Wv
house was deserted en- maSse forthwith
The doctor used his best efforts to cheek
the disease 10 vain, and was aided by some
} two or three of the best citizens, for all the
waters of the house positively refused to
approach the room. The stranger died at
a late hour the same night bat the same
men were with him to close his eyes and
bear his messages to distant friends. A
neat coffin was procured and next day q
long line of friends and brothers paid the
last sad rite of burial to the remains of him
who but for the Odd Fellows might have
died "among strangers and alone"
Notwithstanding all the precautionary
measures which could be adopted. the fatal
disease spread rapidly, and many were in
the course OF a fortnight summoned to "try
the realities Of an unseen world" DR..
Wilton and bis partner an old and excellent
practitioner, were unremttinc in their ex-
ertions, but medical skill availed little. AT
the end of about two weeks from the date
of the first case, DR., Wilton was himself a.
lacked His partner was soon by his bed,
side, and making every effort in his power
TO relieve the patient These Efforts were
nobly seconded by three others. who soon
joined him, and they were rewarded at the
end of few hours by seeing the paroxysm
pass off, leaving him very weak indeed, but
almost out of danger.
News, whether pleasant or the reverse.
spread in all small villages with telegraphic
speed, and but short time elapsed after
Dr. Wil;on's attack ere it reached the ears
of Squire Henderson. He had always re-
garded his Young friend almost as tenderly
as if he had been his own son, and no soon
er did he hear the sad news than he has
tened to Charles room. He was excusable
if shade of disappointment passed across
his mind, when he found several were in
advance of him, each doing all in his power
for the sufferer, and regarding him with
fraternal solicilude. The more violent
symptoms had yielded to prompt and skill
full treatment and he was much better when
the Squire arrived, and insisted on his i'm
mediate removal to his own house. Charles
was too weak to offer any opposition, even
had he felt inclined TO do so, and carriage
was soon at the door to convey him to the
hospitabe mansion Of his friend, where he
was installed in neat, comfortable room.
: and tenderly nursed by her he loved. With
, the approach of night came two young men,
who Insisted on remaining to watch that
!, night, and half reluctently Mary resigned
her post to seek the rest she so much
needed
That the young physician had many warm
friends in town, the squire well knew. but
he knew also the dread that was entertain.
ed by all of coming in contact with the ma
lignant disease, and that SO many should
come forward to assist, was matter of no
small surprise 10 him; but, glad that it was
so, he said nothing. The attack was a Sc
we're one, and the young man recovered his
strength but slowly; but during all his pro-
tracted illness, members called each day to
inquire after him, and each night two more
came to watch by his couch, and minister
; to his most triding wants One day, when
he had almost recovered, Mary remarked
the kindness of his friends. "They are