The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1885-01-22
PAPA'S PROMISE
Made Coed by His Comrades.
[TY.ussfle SUNDAY Lournnrl

lTitussille Sunday Journal
Many of our readers will remember the death
Of Brownlee Zouver, who was killed by the cars
at Warren. Pa, Sept. 30, while on his way as
delegate to locate the position Of the SD Pa.
during the battle of Gettysburg. Some time
previous to bis death he had promised Birdie,
his little daughter, doll as Christmas pres
emit After his death Birdie wrote q letter to
the editor of THE NATIONAL TRIBUNE, of
Washington, d. C., for publication in the " chill
drens column" in which she said she had ex-
pected a doll at Christmas, but had no papa to
buy it now. The kind-hearted editor published
the letter, using as heading "No Doll Since
Papa's Gone" The letter attracted good deal
OF attention, and as result Miss Birdie has
received many dolls and other presents from
nearly every State in tie Union, the bows in
blue and gray fraternally uniting in fulfilling
the promise of departed comrade to his little
daughter.
Christmas night, at the United Brethren
Church at Pleasantville, Miss Birdie was the
recipient, among many other gifts of two dolls,
one presented to her by Chase Post, No so
GAR, of Titusville, Pa, of which Mr. Zouver
was member; the other from Comrade S. E.
Bryant and the night employees of the Della
ware and Hudson Canal Co.'S round house at
Carbondale, Lackawanna County Pa Both dolls
were handsome, but the one from Carbondale
was perfect beauty. The church was taste
fully decorated with eyergreens, and at the
right and left of the improvised stage stood
two large Christmas trees standing upright
upon pedestal drdped with the Post flag bear
ing across its folds the word "Comraden in
evergreens; back of il the words "Papa's prom
Use made good by his comrades;" and covered
with sauze yelling held together at the top
by the GAR. badge, stood the Carbondale
dolly, +" Birdie Sweet" holding in her right
hand dainty purse containing the balance of
the collection after the purchase of herself, and
in her left hand a beautiful Christmas card.
while sitting at her feet was the smaller one
from Titusville. After the usual Christmas
services Comrade II. ]. Hopkins, of Aaron
Benedict Post Of Pleasantvlle in full uniform,
stepped in front of the dollies and in a brief
speech stated the history Of Brides letter and
its results, paying an eloquent tribute to the
memory OF Comrade Zouyer, following with
memories of the war, its hardships and priva-
tiOns, and stated that BroWnlce Zouver, after
having passed its many dangers had met with
violent death 20 years after. Then calling
Birdie Zouver TO him he read her the following
letter:
Miss BIRDIE ZoUyER: In behalf of the night
employees of the Delaware and Hudson Canal
Co. round-houSe and Conrade $. T.. BRYANT of
Carbondae, Pa; of the comrades of Chase Post
No. 50, of Titusville Pa together with MANY
friends. both large and small and the boys in blue
and gray, who have thus contributed TO your hap
piness and comfort, |, q comrade of your father
and representative of the G. A r. introduce to YOU
oNcSt anu present 10 you THESE dolls
presents as token of friendship from strangers to
you, and intrust them to your care and protee-
ton, trusting yon will remember your many un-
known friends and your God the gVer Of ali perfect
gifts.
On receiving the doll the delighted little
girl exclaimed, "Oh! mamma, mammal what
a beautiful dolly" and retired to her seat, COW
cFing its pretty face with sweet kisses. The
generous donors may know that they have
hlled the measure Of one little girls happiness
to repletion