The Bolivar bulletin. [volume] (Bolivar, Hardeman County, Tenn.) 1865-1888, 1878-05-23
The Mprpny cause at the Franklin 1n.,l-

tute.
Last Saturday afternoon, in company with
that intelligent and sterling citizen, Squire
William A. Caruthers, we left town to ad-
dress the people of his district on the sub
ject of temperance. We reached his hospi-
table home before sunset. We there met
the venerable Amos WaddelI, whose grand
daughter is the worthy wife of our friend
Caruthers. This is a happy and prosperous
Christian family. Amos Waddel is now
eighty-three years of age. An old soldier
with jackson, he loves to rehearse the cam
paign scenes under that stern and matchless
hero. Mr.. Waddell, through his sons and
grandsons, has contributed much valuable
material to society. He has three sons who
are successful lawyers, and one son physi-
clan, the genial and popular DIR. Alex.
Waddell, of Whiteville. He spends his
time with his grand and great-grand-chil-
dren. At this time he is with Squire Car
uthers, and for exercise and amusement he
works in the garden, and under his care it
is a thing of beauty. Everything in the
farm. If the rising generation had the
energy of many of our venerable men and
women, the times would not be SO hard.
When Mr.. Waddell first came to this county
the very day he arrived-he stayed with
the late Major John H. Bills, who had been
married two weeks to Miss McNeal.
But we must hurry on and not linger too
long amid the pleasant incidents of that
golden era in the history of Hardeman
county.
Last Saturday night, though the weather
was very threatening, we had good audi
ence at the schoolhouse. Rev. T. ]. Nicely
opened the exercises with devotional SER
vices. We addressed the people for a rea-
senable time and thirty-four persons took
pledge. 1t rained very hard and the fol-
lowing morn the clouds hung low. But
soon a large crowd had collected to partici.
pate in the exercises of the day. The
house was toe small to accommodate the
people, hence out doors we had to go. After
Rev. 7. J. Nicely had opened with the usual
religious devotions, we addressed the audi.
ence. On that occasion quite a number
took the pledge. Very many had come
frsm Whiteyille, Bolivar. and other parts
Dinner was announced and soon mos
bountiful repast was spread for the multi
tude; and all had plenty. Provision had
been made for even Il much larger attend
ance. After an hours recreation, an after
noon meeting was held. Rev T. J. Baker
opened the exercises with reading the scrip
lures and prayer, and then Squire John w
Wilkes delivered a most entertaining
speech. He was followed by Prof. JOIN
Hardin, who made a stirring appeal in be
half of temperance. We then made con
tribution of few words. Others came for
ward and joined, making ninety-seven in al
at that place. Before adjournment an or
ganization was effected, as will be seen else
where reported.
This was most successful meeting. I,
Messrs. Caruthers, the Clintons, the Frank
Inns, Alex. White, John Smith, and other
the people are specially indebted for tn
inauguration of this movement in that sec
ton. These gentlemen have erected a mic
schOolhouse, and employed teacher for tel
months. Such enterprise is most commend
able. In behalf of all present we expires
thanks to T. J. Nicely for giving us hi
presence and influence on that occasion
He road from his distant home to give ale
to this work. Such old men are venerable
and valuable sign-posts to show the risin
generation that no human happiness and N
true human worth can be found outside @
Christian conservation. This schoolhous
was christened that day by Dr. Waddel
and named the Franklin Institute in homo
of Col. j. j. Franklin, who lived long an
was power for good in this neighborhoot
His memory is tenderly preserved by a
classes. Mrs. DR.. Waddell, Mrs. Thompso
/ Allen, Miss Burford, besides many gentle
A men, were from WhiteVille. We were gla
to see them. That night we went to Bar
D lett Chapel to address the colored peopl
!. Their pastor, Rev. Mr.. Coe, was present an
E the house was packed. After talking /
them we received fifty names and organize
a strong society, which includes the leadin
colored citizens of that district.
Late that night, all weary and worl
: Squire Caruthers and myself returned HON
to rest, fully pleased with the hard day
work. Next day we homeWard went, thanl
n full that our lot had been cast on this tri
e among SO hOspitable a people. The croI
are fine and the farmers are in excelleI
spirits