Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1888-05-16
&eadiug.
For the Yorkville Enquirer.
A PLEASANT FAMILY REUNION.

PLEASANI FAlllL1 REUNlUN.
FORT MILL, S. c., May 12.-On Thurs
day, the 3rd of May, 1883, it was my pleas
ure to assist in the ceremonies attending
the celebration of the 10th birthday of our
honored and revered friend, the Rev. j.
Milton Garrison, whose home is near
this place. The morning dawned bright
and clear, as if Dame Nature herself
sary of this widely known and well-be-
loved servant of God. At an early hour
a large number of friends and neighbors
gathered at the old homestead. There
they found a family gathering, indeed
eight children, sixty-one grandchildren
and nine great grandchildren.
After numerous greetings, congratula-
tions and kind words had been spoken, the
company dispersed through the grove and
on the adjacent grounds, passing delight
If uIforenoon--.the children in merry plays
and games of all kinds, and their elders in
conversation and witnessing the childish
sport of the youngsters.
At 12 o'clock dinner was announced. In
the yard adjoining the residence, long
table was spread, which literally groaned
beneath its burden of substantials and
delicacies. The venerable gentleman
whom we were all striving to honor, took
his good wife upon his arm and led the
way to the abundantly prepared table.
Immediately after the honored couple,
came the aged grandmother, holding in
her arms smiling infant of the fourth
generation, and then two by two, the chill
dren, grandchildren and great grandchil-
dren followed their elders. Following the
children were the invited guests, all OF
whom made an imposing procession.
After ample justice had been done to
what was indeed royal feast, the Hon.
VIM. H. Stewart was called upon Tor
speech. In his usual happy manner ne
rose to the occasion, and in earnest ana
we'll chosen words offered to the aged
couple the best wishes ofthe assembled com
pany, and then proceeded to make snort,
but very interesting and impressive ad-
dress. continuing his remarks chiefly upon
the honor due to the man Of usefulness and
wears wherever found. He held his audi
ence spell bound for about half an hour,
and then gracefully closing, gave place to
the Rev. Mr.. Hill, who likewise enter
tanned us with few pleasant remarks in
honor of "the day we celebrate" that day
being on this occasion the anniversary OF
the birth of useful minister of Christ's
gospel, and a dearly beloved husband,
father and friend.
After the close of Mr.. Hill's remarks, DR..
Sam Kell was called upon. He excused
himself by saying he had never made a
speech in his life and was now too venerable
to begin. He begged leave simply to offer
his sincere congratulations to his highly es-
teemed old friend, with every kind wish
for his welfare, prosperity and happiness,
and q heartfelt prayer that when the sun OF
his long and well-spent life should set, ne,
SUSTAINED and soothed by an unfaltering
trust, should wrap the drapery Of his couch
around him and lie down to pleasant
dreams"
The Gold Hill Cornet Band was in attend
ance and did honor to the occasion by rem
dering excellent music. Though time
presses and space fails, I cannot close with.
out at least one word in commendation OF
these truly fine musicians. Already they
arc making name for themselves and ae-
cept engagements from various parts OF
this and adjoining States to furnish music
on public occasions. All honor to the
Gold Hill Band!
Not often has it fallen to our lot to at
tend so pleasant and successful celebra-
ton. The entire day passed off without a
single jar AS the sun declined towards
the western horizon, we bade adieu to our
venerable host and hostess, earnestly wish
ing them many "happy returns" of this
delightful natal anniversary.
SAMUEL DOLEFUL, M. -.