Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-04-16


people, to which he sometimes replied:
God blessed me with the disposition
. TO see the bright side of life whenever
l could, and also with cheerfulness and
humor, for which | thank Him. | be-
lieve that | can do more toward lead
ing others to love and accept religion.
if brought to them by happy. cheerful
teaching, rather than by working upon
their fears or by a too stern solemnity."
But if some gross wrong was brought
TO his notice, which should be publicly
exposed or denounced, softness and
humor vanished-no one more stern or
fearless
| shall never forget a case of most
fragrant and cruel wickedness which
was brought to his notice while we were
in Indiana and over which the town,
generally, was greatly excited. The
next Sabbath Mr. Beecher alluded to it
and the author fearlessly and most
severely. The man whose words and
conduct had caused so much excitement
was very wicked man and much
feared by his neighbors For that
q
greatly disturbed by their pastors fear
less rebuke, and after service gathered
around him greatly alarmed.
''Oh, Mr.. Beecher, it was very unwise
of you to speak of Mr.. - so severely,
much as he deserves it. You have
risked your life. There are some who.
just from love of excitement and mis-
i11S t Of
chief, or anger at your rebuke, will tell
him what you have said, and we greatly
fear he will make trouble, even if he
does not do you personal harm In
deed, it was not wise
Il do not fear him." Mr.. Beecher re-
piled. Il did my duty, as I see it. It
would have done no good if had not
expected he would hear of it,
The next morning, as usual. Mr..
Beecher went to the postoffice, passing
the large hotel on his way. Many idle
men, street lCafers, were gathered to-
gether on the large veranda, waiting to
see what this vile man would probably
say or do when Mr. Beecher returned
from the postoffice. He paid no atten-
had been said or threatened When he
left, to go to the postoffice. | was great
ly troubled and begged him not to go,
but as he returned unframed | did not
tell him how fearful | had been. But
soon several friends came in, all ex-
element, and told what had happened.
On Mr.. Beecher's return from the
no cfon
the veranda and, standing before him
pistol in hand, said in a rough. often
sive voice:
Il have been told that you said some
ugly things about me yesterday, and
repeated, in part, what Mr. Beecher had
said.
Did you say that, sir?"
Not exactly as you have worded it.
but that is about what l intended to
say"
Take it back, apologize, or I'll shoot
you"
Mr.. Beecher looked the rough, ugly
looking fellow sternly in the face for
a moment, and saying: "Shoot away"
turned quietly and walked on. The
man followed him some rods from the
hotel, holding the pistol aimed steadily
at Mr.. Beecher, and then, ashamed to
face the crowd on the hotel steps,
turned down side street and walked
away. Mr.. Beecher often passed the
fellow after this, but no word ever
passed between them again. This in
cident has been often told with some
embellishments, and additions
strange" My version may not be quite
as exciting and dramatic, yet I have
given it exactly as it did occur"
l seldom troubled my husband with
any errands connected with household
cares. Up to the farm, usually some
weeks before Mr.. Beecher's vacation, he
often came for day or two every week.
One day. as he was lying down on the
lawn, playing with the dogs, a goodly
number, as usual, frolicking around =
him, the buggy came round to go to the
postoffice and for such things as were
needed in the grocery line. Being very
busy at the time | sent out a sheet Of
paper with pen and stamped envelope,
and calling to him from the veranda,
asked him to write note quickly to
store in Brooklyn for some articles
which / named, so that the man wait
ing could take it to the postoffice in
the village. l give the letter which he
wrote:
"Messrs.-Please send by express,
with dispatch two damask tablecloths,
best quality, four yards long; two da-
mask tablecloths not as fine also four z
yards long.-Henry Ward Beecher."
"P. S.-Please have them fine in figuT
mot in price,, say Brazilian fores
or a pine forest in field CT ice, or a
field of corn, with generous pumpkins
or a vineyard of grapes, maidens pick
ing them and singing, or--but this wiz
give you hint of what / want"
Anyone reading this will see goo<
reason for not often troubling my hus
band with household errands.