Middletown transcript., 1869-01-16
Letter from Odessa.
Correspondence Of The Mddletown Tran,cript.
ODESSA, Jan. 18th, 1869.


ODESSA, Jan. 18th, 1869.
DEAR Mr., EDIToR Since last we
wrote you, another year has been added
to the calender of time, and another link
Joined to the chain that encircles vast
eternity. Death came to him in its fer
cest fury, and amid the exasperated con-
vulsions of Nature he passed away
"Gone with the loved ones."
1--WE wish you Happy New Year.
was not said to many who greeted his en-
trance into life, but with their vigorous
companions, that exulted in power and
joyous youth they have felt the hand of
decay, and lie side by side in one common
sepulchre, We have survived when every
thing around proclaimed the sad, sad
words passing away" We have been
spared by Merciful God to follow that
boaster Of youths charm, but who in a
few short months had grown aged by
times withering and frosty touch, to his
grave, and filled up the funeral cortege of
those we had so ardently loved. Pros
perity has attended our footsteps, happi-
ness has crowned our pathway, health has
been our attendant, and bright future is
even now looming up in the distance, but
alas alas where are those plighted VOWS
made at the entrance of our departed
friend into existence. Where are those
resolutions formed in sincerity, and those
determinations to live more consistent
and devoted life? They too have gone
down with the old year to their final res
ting place unfulflled, and the new wear
finds us no better, no nearer to our Sa-
viour, and the world no wiser, no happier,
nor more prosperous by our having lived
In 1t. Yet, as sad as we may feel in our
silent retrospection of the past, and know
ing the unrest that inconsistent lives pro-
duce, we once more make new promises
and renew our covenants afresh, with a
stronger determination to make the future
fully atone for the past
Our town is experiencing the realities
of the winter months as well as that Of
others, we are not however ice-bound.
The merchants still offer their wares and
customers as usual buy, the "cruse Of
oiP' still holds out, and the "measure of
meal" satisfies our .wants, We rejoice
that grim want is stayed, and if not plenty,
there is su4fciency of that which sup
plies the cravings of the inner man.
An extra effort is now in progress at
the st. PauPs M. Il. Church. and bids
fair under the labors of the Rev. Geo.
Phoebus to result in much good.
The prizes offered by the Teacher of the
Academy were awarded few days ago.
These prizes were offered to those who
excelled in composition. There were nine
contestants; the first prize was awarded
to VIM. Ashcraft, the second to Walter
Foster. The compositions were all good
and spoke well for the youths who wrote
them.
Pursuant to call of the citizens of
Odessa and surrounding country, quite
number met at the Academy on Saturday
evening Last, to take into consideration the
propriety Of forming Building and Loan
Association. r. G. Hayes, was called to
the chair, and J. H. Groves, appointed
Secretary. The sense of the meeting was
so strongly in favor of establishing such
an Institution among us, that inititoary
steps were Immediately entered into.
Messrs. Polk, Ashcraft, Rhodes, j. J.
Enos, and Whitley, were appointed a COM
mlttee to procure charter. if possible,
from our Legislature, and draft a con-
stitution and By Laws.
Respectfully, &c.