The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1881-07-22
ChIlrCllyille.

fla stranger had driven through this quiet
little village last Saturday morning, July 10th,
he would have had occasion to ask, "What is
there in a nancy" For he would have seen the
whole community astir over the subject of
changing the name of Churchvlle to Ilarlanbert
He would have seen over two hundred persons
assembled in the shade of the old Presbyterian
church yard, to render decision ms to the flu
ture name Of the place--a quiet, orderly, good
natured assemblage. controversy having
arisen on the subject, notice was sent out by
Mr.. w. T. Henderson, Government 7. o. In
spector, requesting all the patrons of the post
office to meet at Churchville, on Saturday, at
10 o'clock A. NJ, that he might then and there
ascertain the wish of the people in the matter.
He was himself there on time. Benches had
been placed under the trees in the church yard
for The comfort of those interested in the meet
ing Mr. Hendersorcalled the meeting to order
and explained in neat little speech why the
patrons of the Office had been called together
the second time, viz: that the Postoflice De-
partment was anxious to get at the facts and
wishes of the patrons, in order not to do any one
any injustice. He suggested that the fairest
way to do that was to take an open ballot of the
patrons present, with two persons representing
the two parties to act as clerks. and chalengers
of those offering TO vote, the postmaster to
prove the facts in every challenge. The above
fair proposition was unanimously approved and
| Mr.. Geo j. Finney was chosen for Churchville,
| and Mr. c. O. Blackburn for Harlanbert Mr.
| ballot that was not challenged, after the name
! had been received and recorded by the two
clerks. He personally guarded the box until
| the voting was over and the ballots counted,
when it was found that Chnrchvllle had received
| 40 votes and Haranbert 55 votes. When the
result was known three cheers were proposed
for Churchville which were given with great en-
| thusiasm. The memory of the late Rev. VIM.
Finncy, who originated the name fifty years ago,
and under the shadow of whose monument the
| LxI1
with three hearty cheers. Another "three"
were then given for Mr. Henderson for the i'm
| partial and gentlenanly manner in which he
had acted us chairman while representing the
| government.
As petitions had been sent to the postotiice
department giving reasons for the change from
| Churchylc to Harlanbert, mass meeting OF
| those present was organized Immediately by
| calling Mr. John Barnes to the chair and APP
pointing Mr. n. w. s. Hays, Secretary, when
resolutions were adopted unanimously stating
| the reason why no change should be granted
These resolutions were signed by over one hun
drcd of the solid men of the community.
| This ended Il contest which never should have
| begun: aud bad il not been for the high esteem
entertained for Dr. Harlan and his family, the
| change of name would not have had a single
score of supporters amongst the whole number
| OF the postoflicc patrons. Old citizens such as
Judge Hanson (who had been II merchant in
Churchville over fifty years ago3 VIM. Wool
| sey, John Barnes, George Deyer, +. Mitchell,
Hosea Barnes, VIM. Lohn, |. w. Coalc, VIM.
II. Divers, Geo. r. Glasgow, and many more fast
reaching old age gave their presence and pro-
| test against the sacrifice of a name much loved
| in the community. In fact the substantial men
were almost unanimously opposed to the move
| ment, and their unwonted zeal only indicated
too plainly how very kccnly they felt the blow
which would be made upon sacred memories
| should the dear old name be Withdrawn. The
same feelings were cherished by numbers ofper.
sons who, though not now patrons of the office,
were reared in Churchvillc bounds. Their dead
are buried there, and around those graves clus-
ter affections which hallow the name Church
VILE and make it n strong link in the chain OF
| Aud Lang Syne. "a word to the wise is sufh-
ccnt" and that word was certainly spoken last
| Saturday to all who would for any reason what
| ever seek to change the name of Churchville.-
| GLANDS Off was there Enthusiastically declared.
| 1t is to be hoped that no further efforts will
ever be made in the direction ola change. They
would certainly meet the same opposition and
| doubtless develop bitter feelings among neigh.
| bors and friends. Now all is peace aud quiet.
"Let we'll enough alone" We have learned
| that after all there is something in name.
II