The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1878-09-07
THE SMITH PICNIC |.
Grand Reunion of All the Smiths

!, N0uAu silhke nhluS Win y ming upon III
And think it kindness to his Majesty"
Thus sang one of the gentlest and sweet
est but most neglected of the poets of GU,
day and country, Fitz Green Halieck
"1'hey love their land because it is thei
owns" the Smiths
Love their name because it is their own
And scorn give aught otherreason why;'
yet the reason was self-evident in the fac
as elected, or at least as stated, by one u
the speakers on the occasion of which WI
write, that the Smiths, for SO large fam
lily, are the freest from stain socially
morally, politically, and religiously-of any
family in our country. So mote it be
i Wednesday last was to be the gala-day
fixed upon for the assembling of this great
/ family, but Pluvius, with his satellites would
not permit, and the result was copiout
weeping of the elements whether caused
by the refractious indignation of the
e couldn't goes,'' or the determination 0.
| Old Prob. that the Smiths should not be
allowed the privilege of exhibiting then
fullest family strength. Notwithstanding
these drawbacks there were over 500 persons
on the grounds, who enjoyed themselves as
best they could.
On the morning of Thursday, the heavens
betokening more propitious occasion for
the assembling of the clans" our reporter
secured space with a party of the Smith
descendants, composed of Mr.. and Mrs.
George Hedden, Mrs. Alex. McCollum, Mrs.
E. S. Jolly, Mrs. Cole, James McGuinness,
and others. Henry Hedden deftly drew
ribbons over the heads of four proudly
prancing steeds-his tally-ho team. Pass
ing onward and through Mendham. with a
| bracing air, though somewhat dubious in
dications of " clearing off, 2 we found our
selves after pleasant drive nearing the
Smith possessions.
This property is located in Demands
township, Somerset County, about Is miles
from this city, and was originally settled,
two generations ago, by Zacharie Smith,
having now descended to the possession of
Peter 2. Smith. The progenitors of the
first family were John Henry and Margaret
Ann Smith.
In all directions, as far as the eye could
reach, ON hill and dale, were wagons de-
posting their loads on terra frma, their
provender being unloaded, or. having dis
posed of their contents already, being pre-
pared for a days sojourn among the Smiths.
They came by tens and twenties, by hun
dreds, until thousands were reached in
numbers.
In looking about, the question would
arise, "Where did all the Smiths come
from ?" but the answer was apparent when
one saw the vehicles of every size, descrip-
ton and condition on the road, in the val
ley, on the hill, up the mountain, in motion
in all directions bound hitherward, or at
rest. Beginning to arrive at early morn.
the throng increased until they numbered
probably not less than 5000 Smiths; we
were informed by Vice President Smith, the
number was computed at 5000, and upward
of 800 wagons. There were the nam es of
!, 900 Smiths on the registry, 975 had been
present on former occasions, and 100 regis
stored on this day.
Then commenced preparations for the
picnic. The craving of hunger, always
ready to assert itself, was first to be APP
peased. Long tables were erected for tx
purpose, without number within the
enclosure, which were appropriated by
the guide housewife " of each particular
Smith family, and soon were whitened by
the pure linen cloths and quickly covered
by choice edibles, the aroma of which
pleased the senses as much as the neatness
taste tickled the palate. Our representa-
tive, expecting as usual, to find accommo-
dation for the inner man at some public
hostelrie, could have collapsed in his meager-
ness, but, thanks to the promptings of the
generous and gentle hearts of his company
he was kindly and well cared for.
On all hands, on every high hilltop and
shaded slope, spread out on the greensward
were choice repasus, around which were
congregated smaller parties, RECALLING them
selves with Injuries and enjoying the ami
nation of the scene and the inauguration Of
the breeze.
There were no booths. no stands for the
sale of edibles or liquids, Smith wouldn't
have it Yet Smith did eat, and drink, and
smoke, and felt merry, too!
The grounds on which the picnicwas held
lie beside the north branch of the Raritan
River, and are most beautifully situated
for the purpose designed. The main stand,
and the ladies' stand. were erected beside
this rivulet were handsomely draped with
flags, festooned with evergreens and ivy.
the tables blooming with lovely flowers, and
the platforms graced by the beauty, wit,
and graciousness of the Smith family.
After the repast had been disposed of, the
meeting was called to order by President
Isaiah Smith of Milburn, who introduced
the Rev. Mr.. Feagles of Mt. Freedom, who
made the main address of the day. He had,
he said, Smith blood permeating his veins /;
the Smiths were originally from the Meth
erlands, and literally made that country
redeemed it from the saa They g could
live under water and yet cultivate the soil. I"
He claimed also that no Smith who married
was ever divorced, and that was why there
were SO many Smiths He continued in a
like strain at great length. landing the FAM
lily for their possession Of the specialtes of
honesty and integrity.
The Rev. C. F. Woodruff Of Dunellen,
Revs. Messrs. Craig and Thomas of Peapack,
Adams of Bernardsvilie, DIR. Isaac Quimby
Of Jersey City. and others, followed.
The officers of the society are Isaiah
Smith, President; Abraham Smith, Vice
President; James C. Smith, Secretary ;
Oscar Smith, Treasurer. and so other
Smiths are Committeeman.
A photographer took two large views Of
the animated scene, and copies will, in a
few days. be for sale at one Of our book
stores in this city.
There being neither music nor dancing,
the gathering, per force, broke up early, the
Smiths quietly retiring to their homes,
leaving lonesomeness where moment
before reigned an eternity of Smiths.
Persons taking chattel mortgages should
remember the new Law which went into eff.
4. IL. II. FL II