The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1884-06-07
seth Birthday.

One OF the most pleasant ana enjoy
able OCCASIONS in this community was
at the residence of the Rev. Wesley w.
Batcheller, May 2Sth, on the anniversa-
~ of his seth birthday, when some
twenty of his friends-mOst OF whom
were old settlers-were, by invitation,
gathered to spend the day. Some TWO
hours were spent IN chit chat, when the
company was conducted to the dining
hall to share a bOuntiful and luscious
feast. At about o'clock the Rev. A.
Newton was invited to offer prayer,
with supplementary remarks. The re-
marks were cOngratulatOry on the re-
markable physical health and vigOr,
mental sOundness and clearneSs, and
that in him was a practicable demon
stratiOn of truth he had 80 often
taught: Goodness is profitable unto
all things, having promise of the life
that now is, and of that which is to
come" The addresses were by Hon.
John Miller and j. Smelling, supple
mented by 5. Goodell, II. w. Pell, K.
Lucas, Or. Pool, VIM. Il. Mcclure, L..
S. Sampson aud most Of the lady guests
present. There was then read by Rev.
Newton the following poem by Mrs.
Sarah Stephens Pell: n..
To Grandpa Batcheiier, on his eighty-strth birth-
day, May 2sth, 1884:
Eighty-six years some peace some strife
Rightyrsix years Of active life,
So many long wears life's almost done,
Only few more and the victorys won.
Their shall the voice Of the Savior say, ''COme!
Come up higher, thy work IL well done;
see all things as they are meant
Thou hast accomplished the mission
For which thou vert sent.
'.Tve counted thy virtues DER and DER,
And they balance thy errors by many score;
And II in wrong thou hast had any part,
know twas thy head, and not OF thy heart.
ave oft by the hand led my poor to thy door,
Knowing that thou wouldst give of thy store;
And We gave unto them, and ye lent unto me,
Come up to my home, have blessings for thee.
.Ye have oft been reviled, yet reviled not again,
Thy constant desire has been peace among men !;
SO when thour't in trouble bring all unto me,
will console and comfort thee.
my children were thirsty. ye gave them to drink,
And when they were hungry ye fed them;
And when they were searching their Savior to find,
K EN- as commanded, ye led them.
And as We have my law obeyed
And all commandments given,
Your home your happy home thal be
Forever with your Lord in heaven.
SARAH PELL.
The company were then favored by a
rich response from our venerable host
and hostess, drawn from "reminiscences
of the past, moving the tenderest SYM
pathies of all present. ..........
Before separating the company made
arrangements for surprise gathering
on the following Saturday at 4 p. NJ, re-
sulting in q perfect success. AT the ap.
pointed hour the company were again
together, with two exceptions, when
the Hon. John Miller, with one of his
characteristic speeches, presented a
beautiful Woodbury. reclining chair.
The remarks took in the march of prog
ress and wonderful developments of
science and art during the So years of
his earthly pilgrimage, bespeaking for
HIM many more years of health and
blessing, and that the little token of re-
spect and regard might tend in some
little way, by resting the wearying tab
ernacle, and keeping in memory tried
and true friends, to his ease, rest and
comfort until his declining sun should
sink below the western hills. Supple
mented by touching complimentary re-
marks from several of the company,
and with pastry and lemonade refresh
ments, the company dispersed with a
prayer for years Of health, comfort and
blessing on the aged pair.
ONE OF THE GUESTS.