The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1878-01-02
A CuRIsTMAs TREE In TEXAS.
How an IndianapoIitan Spent Christ
mas Eve in the Lone Star State-An
Enjoyable Festival and Entertainment
Personal Items.
Especial Correspondence of the Sentinell

EplOy1DIe ke@tHNat ana Entertainments
Personal Items.
Especial Correspondence of the Sentinel
CoTToSwooD PRAIRIE, Brazos Co.. Tex,
Dec. A.-Ten miles northeast of Bryan is a
thickly settled nelghborhood, where the
people have erected a neat little frame
church building. The Rev. Mr.. Walker is
pastor. He is fine speaker, and is of the
missionary Baptist persuasion. Most all in
the neighborhoOd are members and well to
do farmers There are many young people,
who know how TO enjoy themselves in old
fashioned style, or rather Texas style, at CO.
tiliOn parties where the fiddle and bow are
used 10 make enjoyment complete. Several
such parties were given in the neighborhood
while we were at my cousins, Mr.. Cartle's.
On this Christmas eve the school children
and parents and the young people concluded
to have good time and a nice Christmas
tree at the church. all arrangements having
been made. When the time came the ladies
and gentlemen had all things in readiness.
and grand display was witnessed. The
tree was holly bush some y or 10 feet high,
with many branches and red berries. Ii was
as green as il would be IN midsummer. 1t
was loaded down with presents for the chill
dren, who yet think Santa Claus comes once a
year. bent by weight of gifts. 1t was really
a grand sight to behold in this far off land
You could see almost every article that
could be desired by the little fellows who
crowded around-little bonnets, shoes,
dolls, books, ties ribbons and all the little
fancy articles which our people see at Charles
Meyers store in our beautiful CITY. | and
Master Courtie accompanied Mr.. Cartles
family. We found the church crowded.
There was hardly standing room, as the
people came for miles aroand. Santa
Claus soon made his appearance, with
his long white beard and pale face,
laden with presents yet to be placed on the
tran Winch had baar ca ltv
by Mrs. Collins, Mrs. Beekam, and several of
the misses, among whom were Miss Amanda
Kiefer, Miss Leno Garlic, the Misses Kelley
and others. The gentlemen who seemed to
have the matter at heart were Mr.. Lewis
Runnels, Mr.. Love Mr.. Samples, Mr. Hubs
peth and others. Mr.. Willie kiefer was the
only young gentleman who took part in
calling names and handing arti-
Giles to the anxious little fellows
standing around to receive them
They all performed their duties well, and
everything was done in order. Mr. Love
the school teacher, seemed to have planned
the arrangement for the Christmas tree and
was busy in attending to the details of the
entertainment Colonel X. Hindspeth and
Mr.. Chatham and their ladies were present.
The colonel is social clever gentleman, and
has large farm and sheep ranch gin
house and much wild land. Mr.. Sample
Mr.. Beekam, Mr.. Kiefer Mr.. Thompson are
all large landh0ders and wealthy men.
Mr.. Garlic was committee to keep
order which he did TO the satisfaction of ell.
His son, Eddy, was treasurer, and saw that
the funds contributed were prudently laid
out.
DIR. Toliafarro and his lady were present
enjoying the sport. The doctor is a gentle
man of education and ability. and | learned
from him that he was going to leave the
neighborhood to go 10 farm some miles
away. The people regret much that the
doctor Is going to leave them. He is
Tennesseean by birth and a whole souled
gentleman, and is for T. A. Hendricks
for president against the world. The doctor
has subscribed for the Sentinel, as well as
many others in that section.
w. II. Smithe, son of Colonel Smithe. who
fought during the war with Mexico, and was
the officer in command who conveyed the
order from General Houston to Colonel
Crockett TO retreat from the Alamo, which
he disobeyed and met his death with all his
comrades, is one OF the most social, genial
southern gentlemen | have had the
pleasure of meeting with. He is a fine
hunter, and always has on hand venisoD,
turkey, bear, and all that the country affords,
and is ready at all times to do favor to
those needing it. He seems to think he can
not do enough for those visiting Texas, and
wants all who come near him to call and see
him and partake of his hospitality We were
kindly treated by ALL and especially by Mr.
kiefer and Others. We babe them a fare
well and happy new year, and departed on
the 26th for home. w. s. w.