Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1888-09-19
CHESHIRE'S OFFERING.
History OF n Cheese Presented to
President jefferson.
Good Elder Lcland's Interest In Politics
and the Results Following It-A Token
OF Good VIII which Was Unique
In Every Respect.

and the Results Following It-A Token
OF Good VIII which Was Unique
I'm Every Respect.
The town Of Cheshire, situated among tho
Berkshire HILLS Of Massachusetts,, Is one Of
the plcasantcst places In all the country,
says the Boston Transcript. Tho pasturago
OF this region II excellent The land Is very
productive, and tho dairy farms have al
ways been noted for tho quality Of their
butter and cheese. And here, about eighty
seven years ago, was made the enormous
shocso whose fame went abroad through
cut the United States, crossed tho water,
and even spread into foreign countries.
Elder John Leland, n celebrated preacher Of
his time, was pastor OF tho village church.
Ho was n vigorous and original thinker,
noted for his exposition Of the Scriptures.
People came from far and near % listen 10
his sermons. I'm those days minister's
views upon all public questions were re-
coivcd with respectful attention, and Elder
Leland did not confnc his labors 20 paro-
chial affairs. Any delinquency among tho
solcctmcn Of the town, any failure In rigid
adherence t0 duty, was boldly attacked by
him In the pulpit, and names were mentioned
with startling dircctness.
Thomas jefferson was nominated for the
Presidency OF the United States In the fall
Of 1900 He was believed by many % be
an inhdcl, and tho feeling Of New England
tho stronghold Of orthodoxy-was severe
against him. Eldor John Leland held no
share In this public opinion. He had been a
preacher In Virginia, whore no often met
Mr. jefferson.
The two men wero mutually attracted
and held long conversations together.
Elder Leland became an ardent admirer OF
Jefferson. He recognized his Christian
character In spite Of a natural reticence,
and he believed ia his republican principles.
When Jefferson was nominated he began TO
work for him. II was said that the elder
stood alone, but the sturdy opposition be-
came his inspiration. He preached politics
IN The pulpit on Sunday; he rode 20 neigh
boring towns through the week; he was
ready always with an argument SO great
was the influence that he exerted that when
election day came there was not a member
OF the whole county who failed 70 vote for
Jefferson. Great was Elder Leland's de-
light over the victory, and at the close OF
the afternoon service on the next Sabbath
heproposed that, as a people, they should
prepare token Of their good will 20 be
sent 10 Washington after the new Presi-
dent had taken his place at the White
House. II should be something in which
women AZ well as men could participate,
and he suggested an enormous cheese, as
the natural product OF their industry.
Every man In the county who had voted for
jefferson should bring all the curd he felt
able 20 give A committee OF farmers
wives, who were skilled, should be APP
pointed for the mixing. Every body was
pleased with the idea Captain John Brown,
who was known as the man 10 first suspect
and denounce Benedict Arnold as traitor,
was n member Of this village. He offered
his cider mill rs the best and largest in the
town. They had IL thoroughly cleaned, q
nowbottom Of wood set In, surrounded with
an iron hoop, and thus converted into a
huge cheeso-prcss. IL was fine afternoon
when the crowd came pouring in from all
quarters Of the county to Captain Browns
farm. Some wealthy farmers brought
quantities Of curd, others only pailful, but
the offerings were poured into the cider
press. The matrons then came forward,
mixed and favored II. The men stood
ready for the pressing.
When the cheese was ready TO be re-
moved, u was found TO weigh sixteen hun
dred pounds. The parish requested their
minister to convey II in person to the Presi-
dent IL was a journey OF five hundred
miles, but the slcghiug ut the appointed
time was excellent, and nc started. He was
three WtNNN on IllO IONIls AUt people
thronged 20 meet him In every town and
village through which he passed, for the
news OF the gift had spread, aud such n
cheese was never seen before. When
Elder Leland arrived in Washington, he
sent note 20 jefferson, who suggested
that tho members Of his Cabinet and OF Con-
gross, together with the foreign Ministers
and other distinguished guests, should DO
invited TO attend and witness tho presenta-
ton. Ia the midst of this gathering Elder
Leland arose with great dignity and prof
fcred the huge Cheshire cheese as token
OF tho deep respect Of his county. The
President closed his courteous reply with
these words;
81 will cause this suspicious event 20 be
placed upon tho records OF our Nation, and
IL will ever shine amid its glorious archives
1 shall ever esteem IL among the
most happy incidents Of my life; anC
now my much respected reverend friend
1 will, by the consent and ia the presenc,
of my most honored council, have tn,
cheese cut, and you will take back with yoi
portion Of u, with my hearty thanks, an,
present II 20 your people, that they all ma,
have n taste. Tell them never 10 falter il
the principles they have so nobly defended
they have successfully come 10 the roscu
OF our beloved country in tho time Of he
great peril. WISH thcm health anu pros
pcrity, aud may milk IN abundance nove
cease 10 ilow TO the latest posterty."
As arrangements had previously bee
made, the steward OF tho White Hous
came forward and cut the cheese. A slic
was presented 20 each guest. Every on
tasted and declared IL 10 be as near pei
lection "a Il was possible for cheese 10 be.
Elder Leland was greatly delighted wit
the whole enterprise. He spent few day
in Washington and thon left for home
Another large meeting was held at Capital
John Browns. The Elder gave the Who'll
account Of his trip, and the reception Q
thor present ut tho Capitol. ono ca
imagine the cagerness and delight wit
which tho people listened. Each one r,
ccived n small piece Of cheese, for tn
whole region came TO hear. This story
still treasured by those who received
from parents or grandparents.