The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1878-06-01
From Freedom.
An OctOUenarian.


1t is not perhaps, a rare occurrence to sec
an octogenarian they may be found in every
city, town and village in the state But to see
one who has reached that time of life, declared
by the Psalmist to be "labor and SORROW" with
an erect FORM a firm step, rudy countenance,
a clear eye, strong voice with all the lntellec-
tual faculties unlmpaired, with firm grasp
on this present life, and tirmer grasp on the
life beyond, is not an everyday occurrence.
The town of Freedom can boast of at least one
such man. We can almost hear some one say,
That is Elder Batcheler." That is right, but
some of us prefer to say Father Batcheller, be-
cause of knship, not on the earthly side of our
natures but on the spiritual. Father Batchel-
Ter was eighty years of age the 2Sth of May.
A goodly number of his friends, some with
the frosts of many winters upon their brows,
gathered at his home to congratulate him and
his partner on this event. Among the num-
Der were Mr.. Bliss, of Earl, and Lucas Lowcry,
and Goodell, of Freedom. After feasting
sumptuously from Widespread board, speeches
were the order of the hour.
In our way of thinking, it was the nearest
approach to an old fashioned love feast we can
conceive of. We sang and talked and prayed
The old octogenerian, with voice tremulous
with emotion and eyes filled with tears, briefly
reviewed his life, and praised the Lord for His
wonderful love and keeping power. We felt
the force of these words as never before: "He
that folowcth after righteousness and mercy
findeth life, righteousness and honor" This
truth is fully exemplifed in HIM.
A brief sketch of his life may not be out of
place. Rev. Wesley Batcheller was born in
Brimfeld, Hampton county, Mass, 1893. He
was rocked in an itenerant cradle, his father
being Methodist minister. In 1904 he re-
moved with his parents to CORTLAND county,
N. y. He was converted and joined the
church in 1873 About the year 1926, having
previous to this a license to preach he was
appointed agent for the old Cazenovia Semin-
airy. In the year 1880 he entered upon the
regular work of the itinerancy on Sciplo Cir
cult, Oneida Conference. In the year 1886 he
came to Illinois and settled in what is now
Ctllcu ICcuOlll, La Iodllc COUNTY. llc Ut ouIC
entered upon his ministerial labor, and in 1899,
when the old Illinois conference was divided,
Joined the Rock River Conference, of which
he is still member He stands among the
oldest ministers in the country. From thirty
to forty years ago he was the only minister in
this party of the country. The old men and
women of today he married here When death
entered their families he was present to con-
sole and comfort; when their children grew
up to manhood and womanhood he married
many of them. The old settlers rejoice that he
is hale, hearty and strong and although his
feet are nearing the river bank he may live to
see his hundredth year.
The day PISSED swiftly and pleasantly away.
AS we parted silent prayer assembled that God
would give Father Batcheller serene and
brilliant sunset and an abundant entrance into
that kingdom whereof all are kings.
ONE OF THE GUESTS