The Fremont weekly journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio) 1867-1877, 1872-09-20

the decision of the people of sandusky Town
ship at an early day, and "Railroad-Yes"
| should be the decision of every man.
|
Kianapped-A Surprise and Presen-
tation.
On Thursday of last week, Bro. R. H. Rice
W. M. of Brainard Lodge, F. A. NJ, was the
subject of some queer but pleasant adventures
which have made an indellible impression not
only on his memory but that of all the breth-
rem who participated in the affair. Its history
is about as follows:
Sometime since the Doctor announced his
intention to travel in foreign countries, and
the brethren of the ledge conceived the idea of
making him q suitable acknowledgement Of
the high esteem in which he was held by
them. The thought was at once carried into
execution. The thought was at once carried
into execution. Now, the doctor conceived
the idea of giving the brethren pleasant re-
union at his house before his departure, and
those managing the proposed presentation,
though keeping the matter from his knoWl-
edge, desired to make the presentation on the
same evening, which had been named, and
had the memento so engraved. OF course the
doctors wife was taken into their confidence,
and it must be admitted she kept the secret
like Mason.
The doctor, however, found he could not
leaveas soon as he expected to, and as the in
vitations were not issued, the evening was
changed to one week later. This would dis
arrange the committees plans, and after con-
suJtation with Mrs. Rice it was concluded to
go on with the preparations for the evening
agreed upon, and keep the matter profound
secret from the doctor. To do this required
skill and management but they were provided;
the refreshments were prepared in the country
at Mrs. Rice's parents, (and they were bounti-
ful and excellent,) and delivered at the DOCTORS
on Thursday last.
The doctor had been visited by the commit
tee aud fishing excursion proposed, to which
he assented, the design being to prevent him
from going home, after he left there in the
morning, until everything was in readiness in
the evening. He was accordingly captured
about IL o'clock, taken on Norton's little
steamer, with her PROV headed for Green
Creek, and off they went, jolly company on
a jolly cruise.
They had pleasant time, and wore success
full fishers, bringing back bountiful supply.
They stopped at the clubhouse on their re-
turn and took supper, but we're not in hurry
to reach home. Finally watchers upon the
bridge heard the preconcerted signal, and
"tidings" were announced at the lodge room
where the brethren were assembled to the
number of about one hundred and fifty. They
took up their line of march, and arriving at
the doctors residence, took possession Of the
house and yard, where everything indicated a
festive occasion. Lamps were pendent from
the branching trees, and lighted up the scene,
making it look like some enchanted place
Figures we're constantly moving about on the
qui vive to catch the first glimpse of the doc.
tor. The word came that he was near, and al
once every light was turned down.
As he drew near he caught a glimpse o.
some of the assembled brethren, and inquired
Of his attendant if he knew what was the
matter, or if anything was wrong, but hi
companion only replied he guessed it was al
right. When he reached the gate the light
were at once turned up, and he stood aston
ished and apparently unable to comprehend
As he entered the gate some wanted to see hi
fish, others inquired what luck, what he hat
, in that jug, &C., but his eye fell upon Al AM
he sought an explanation. In a whisper h
said:
"This is all wrong, Al. This is not tn
night. Its mistake"
But Al laughed and said he guessed it wa
I all right.
Catching glimpse of ioIly-faced John, h
walked up to him, and still whispering said:
. "John, this is certainly mistake. It's tn
i wrong night. 1t was not to bstill next week.
But John carried out the Joke saying:
"Oh, never mind, Rob; you go and put ava
: your fish. Iguess it viii be all right"
He didn't look as though he believed it wa
. but turned and advanced to the porch, wher,
u as he placed his foot upon the first step, th
hand Of brother Oscar Ball was placed upo
= his shoulder, and he spoke as follows:
OhO- Ab4SE1s Jul uuaoOnlO DI6buI6u nav
long sought this opportunity of manifestin
: their appreciation of your merits as man an
= as Mason;-merits which have contribute
to the harmony and prosperity of our lodg
They regret that for a time they win be d.
: prived of your genial presence, and presel
% you this token with the confident hope that
70 will mark well the time of your safe and spe
. dy return"
:. The doctor was utterly taken by surpris
- and for time was so much affected he coul
= = not command any words. He glanced at IL
= box containing the token, took off the lid, T
y = turned it to its place, looked at the brethre
- but still no sign. At last, with much feelir
le and marked hesitancy, he said:
10 "BRoTHER BALL AND BRETHREN:-This is
N piece of strategy that beats ms. If 1 ha
l. known that you were going to be here,I shou
is have endeavored to be prepared for you, al
Sc also suitably acknowledge my Indebtedness
s. this mark of your esteem. If our folk a,
re prepared for you, am glad yon are here. B.
this beats me. A voice said "they are pr
y pared."l
Il Brethren, permit me to acknowledge n
a. heartfelt thanks for this manifestation of yoI
20 regard. 1 only wish could reflect that hi
III merited so distinguished favor. If ha,
IL done anything the reflection will be a sour
~ of great pleasure. have endeavored in u
10 official relations with you to do my duty.
i II can't talk to you tonight; but no
&c this occasion will be as pleasant to you as it
NJ to me. hope the family are ready for yo
70 I thank you for the kindness you have alwa
II manifested for me, and thank you fer 70
K lenity toward me always. But can't ia
40 to you tonight"
TX The thing was so complete surprise th
rs we cannot wonder DR.. Robert was unable
Oh command words to express his feelings.
u While he retired to get off his fisherman
~ garb, the numerous tables were set out in
rooms and on the porch, the brethren seat'
10 and the refreshments passed around. A me
% joyous and happy gathering has scarce e7
y assembled to mark their kind appreciation
., a friend, neighbor and brother, than parti
pated in the reunion that night
-a On his re-appearance, he was greet ed on
~ sides, and had busy time in receiving I
~ we'll wishes of the brethren, and explain
70 how had intended a pleasant evening for thu
~ week later, but that strategy had turned t
TX tables on him, aud left him nothing to do /
y wish they might all be happy in the prese
and in the future.
r The present consisted Of a handsome a
no very valuable gold watch and chain, engrav