Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1896-10-29
THE MCKINLEYS ;

7 + anything is to be written about the
home life Of the Mckinleys, Canton
L itself cannotsbe ignored, for this pret-
tyand lively place has of late turned itself
practically into Il generous habitation for
the Major and his family. their friends
and the thousands upon thousands that
troop in daily To do them homage.
The town itself, one of broad streets.
wide-spreading shade trees. green lawns
and tasteful homes, of substantial schools
and public buildings. numerous business
blocks and fine churches. seems perpetu-
ally en- fete. Flags, banners. red. white
and blue bunting, and gorgeous Japanese
lanterns fly from every building. swing
across the roads. enliven the shop win
dows, and hang from the house doorways.
Pictures. posters and Autographs of the
presidential candidate are displayed on
almost every building. and great good ma
ture prevails. No matter what their
creed. race or politics may be, the citi-
xens generally unite in honoring their be-
loved neighbor and towusman.
When the Ma jor drives out. as he does
almost every afternoon, Dick the big
black horse and the comfortable carryall
nre scarcely in sight before there is a
general rush to salute the distinguished
driver and his wife, who, pale, pretty and
smiling. leans forward 10 acknowledge
the greetings on every side. Young mat
rons and rosy maids. and there are plenty
of both. wave their handkcrchefs from
the piazzas, and the passers-by call out all
manner of cheerful salutcs. Farmers. AZ
they rumble home in their wagons. pull
up their horses TO shout a God speed. The
train hands and the hackmen. and the
errand boys are quite az hearty in their
WAY, as the business and professional
men in their demonstrations.
AS 10 the children in Canton they evil
dently look upon Inc Major as their very
own candidate. and they run after the
carriage and under Dicks feet. and wave
their little flags, and toot their little
horns. while tots of even 3 or 1 halloo
right in his face. "Hurrah for Mckin-
ley" with IN air of bon camaraderic
that is intensely amusing.
All the small boys thar have dogs. gel
low or otherwise, want to attract the
Majors eye. and get his opinion on their
points, and small girls with their kittens
and their dollies are happily secure of his
profound interest. Every NOW and then
some child. in its enthusiasm. twists itself
up with Dicks forele2s-''Oh, Major."
xasps Mrs. Mckinley. who is fearful of
an Accidentally dear. Dick wouldn't
hurt one of them if they asked him to-
says the Major, as he checks the big fell
low and invites his youthful adulirer to
disentangle himself.
The old people summing themselves in
The open windows, or OH the cottage
stoops, have word or smile ready.
They are proud of "tbe boy" and they
know his tenderness and venerstion for
white hairs. Every now and then the
carriage is stopped and few rosy peach
Is Of the late crop, or "A basket of superb
grapes. snch grapes as Ohio only can pro-
duce. are handed in. A little child runs
mp with = bunch of cleaning SALIVA. or a
handful of pink and white asters. or
colored man presents n rabbits foot. 80
luck" or a fanciful spinster contributes
a four-lea fed clover. that will insure his
election. Ii is no wonder that these few
moments of fresh air do the Major good,
for he gains renewed assurance that the
people among whom for thirty years he
has dwell. the ones who know him best of
all. love him most.
Before the end of the afternoon drive
the Major turns Dick down a quiet street.
Tuscarawas, and drives along until he
comes to brown frame cottage. that
seems disposed to shrink into retirement
under the broad boughs OF friendly trees
and n cloud of woodbne, glorious in au-
tnmnal colors. There is an air of COM
fort and repose about the place. The
robin ON the porch railing regards the
visitors with calmncss. The big gray eat
In one corner suns herself, too lazy to
even blink her eyes. Instinct tells one
this is the home of Mother Mckinley, as
the people love TO call her.
"Who was his mother?' is the question
first asked about famous man. and for
tunate il he who can in reply point 10
woman like Mrs. Nancy Campbell Alli-
son Mckinney. If you have been told
that Mrs. Mckinley WAS 81 years Of age,
you doubt or forget it. for here is no ven
cradle dame who receives you seated in
an armchair and waits for those atten-
tons that are the privilege OF old age. |
Instead. you are presented to . lady with |
tall. spare figure. with its trim waist. AMI |
head well up. standing erect and smiling
y cordia, welcome.
The Majors w'f- -as Miss Ida Sax !