Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1857-07-10
SPEECH OF AN OLD MAN.

The old settlers of Wisconsin lately
had grand festival at Madison, and
among them was Joseph Crelie, one hun
dred and seventeen years old-probably
the oldest man in the United States. he
made speech at the dinner table, of
which the following report is given;
"FELLow PIONEERS II have look
ed forward with deep interest to this
meeting. Permit me, an old man, with
the frosts of one hundred and seventeen
winters now whitening my brow, to greet
you to-day, and to express the hope that
you may live these many years to meet
together on similar occasions.
My own pioneer life has been peace
full rather than eventful. A native of
Detroit, was partly raised in Kaskas-
kia and Prairie du Roche, in Illinois,
and subsequently became an inhabitant
of St. Louis under Spanish rule, and
for many years in the last century was
engaged as a voyageur between St. Louis
and Prairie du. Chen, via Wisconsin and
Fox Rivers and Mackinaw. I was, in
1914, participant with the Americans
in the conflict at Prairie du Chen, and
served as an express carrier in the Black
Hawk war when a companion was shot
dead by me side by the stealthy Indians
in ambuscade: being myself French
man, and my wife related to the Indians,
1 have reason to believe I was purpose
ly spared. Forty year ago I located at
, the Wisconsin Portage, and nearly a
third of century since was mail
carrier between Mineral Point and Green
, Bay. 1t has fallen to my lot to live sue
: cessively in the same country under
f French, British, Spanish, and American
/ government-and / have defended the
latter at the hazard of my life.
!, "Though l have thus spent my day.
e upon the frontiers, my memory is toc
a frail to permit me to go into dates, ant
# could l recall them, / fear they woult
S only serve to fill up the picture, alread,
e well known, of border dangers, Difficult
r ties and privations. I have been tire
e times married, and of nine children bu
is single one survives-the seven by m
e first marriage, and she had nearly reach
l. ed the age of three score and ten, allot
It ted to our race. But have grand-chi
d dren, almost without number; and fc
y the benefit of some of the latter, hop
IL yet to obtain some bounty land frol
e. government for my early services.
re 81 come down to you, fellow pioneer
he from former century-an old ma
at with the habits, customs and feelings
st the Supplemented, contented race of
century ago, with few wants, and no an
bilious aspirations. 1 can in truth Sc
Il that 1 love my native land; have chez
fully risked my life in its defense, in r
Is, pelling the British and Indian foe, and
ho trust there are none here to-day who W
IT. fail to stand by our country in eve
ge hour of trial and danger-none who W
ever, under any plea, lend themselves
ra- the disreputable work of weakening t
nd ties that bind together our glorio
he Union. I have lived here in the W,
ar; under despotic sway, and and know
he well how to appreciate the blessings
sell free government, which 1 heartily CO
de- mend to your filial love and protect,
In conclusion, fellow pioneers, l can OF
Gu give you-it is all have to offer
He old mans prayer and blessing"
Ia1