The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1895-12-20
GRAVE YARD STORY.
A Full Explanation Given to the
Public

Public.
EDITOR FREE PRESS =
We the undersigned parties make a
full and clear statement in answer to
the false accusations appearing in the
MOrnang Neaos of Dec. 18th, headed
DESIGNATED GRAVE YARD.
On Friday, Dec. 9th, the undersigned
parties made an expedition into the
country in search of a Christmas tree.
Being informed that there were
trees to be bought in the neighbOr-
hood of Eagle Lake or vicinity, we
called on several parties but'could not
find one satisfactory for our purpose
and when enroute to Eagle Lake
we passed the cemetery and remarked
the large pine tree in question, and
while in Eagle Lake we made inquiry
regarding the owner We were in
formed by Mrs. Pickle that GER
tain Mr.. Lovett could give US the de-
sired information and so we called on
the gentleman. One of our party leav-
ing the rig, talked to some extent
with Mr.. Lovett in his barn and dur
ing the conversation they walked out
toward the road and the other parties.
Mr.. Lovett remarked that he had no
trees in the grave yard, but that if we
would call on Mr.. Miner he would
better inform us. On our way to see
Mr.. Miner we stopped at Ed. Min
nerds blacksmith shop, and he also
mentioned Mr.. Miner. We had the
good fortune to see him in his yard
and hailed him. This is the CONVEX
sation that took place:
''Do you know who owns the tall
fir tree in the grave yard?"
"Yes. 1t belongs to family of
Slayhills but they are all dead"
''Do you suppose we could buy or
get it for an Xmas tree to decorate
the store"
swell, we had meeting in regard
to clearing out some of the trees but
had not got around to it yet, and l
don't think there would be any objec-
tions, but you had better see Uncle
Willie Burgess. He has the most to
say about the grave yard, and if he
says it is all right, have no objec-
tions."
He was then asked if he knew the
tree we had reference to.
eyes. | know perfectly well the
trees in question"
IOO, ouCll
we drove to Mr.. Burgess residence
and related the conversation between
our party and Mr.. Miner.
Mr.. Burgess talked with Mr..
Pickle and he (Mr. Pickle) related the
conversation which took place be-
tween our party and MeSsrS. LOvett
and Miner. He said: "We had some
talk about removing some of the
hn tot cd than Mr
Pickle mentioned again the tree we
wanted, and he said, eyes! Yes! l
know them we'll"
"Well, if Mr.. Miner said that, why,
| have no objections" saying the
above loud enough for all parties to
hear him.
So with this authority we left for
the grave yard, it being about p. M,
and decided that we required more
help, SO with that purpose in view we
left for town, and as the following day
was Saturday and the tree advertised
for Monday that being our holiday
opening, we decided to return after
supper and with reinforcement get
the tree making no secret about it,
and erected it that evening in the
store.
On Monday, Dec. 10th, a Mr.. Pres
nell came to the store and demanded
settlement in the name of a Mrs.
Van Sky, relative of the deceased,
and he stating that the permission
given was illegal and wanted rep
Grafton made at once and below is the
settlement made by US.
Signed,
ARTHUR @. BURGESS.
FRANK SIEFERT,
THOS. /. SKEOCH,
HENRY G.. PICKLE.