Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1905-06-16
CHAPTER VII.


prise.
The following winter Ned attended
school in the village, and made excel
lent progress. He was a constant pa
tron OF the village library. the works
on agriculture being his special selec-
tons
Early in the season, several OF the
farmers OF the town decided 10 estab-
sh the Farmers Club. and were to
leet weekly for debate and 20 discuss
matters pertaining to agriculture.
When Ned heard of the revival OF
the Farmers Club he was much inter
ested. and decided thar If possible he
would be a regular attendant.
When the night for organization
came Ned was early on hand. and was
kindly spoken 20 by the elders present.
His farming speculation OF the preced-
Ag summer mad been frequently
poken of 10y farmers, and they were
Interested in the lads enthusiasm. and
sides this the landlord of the hotel
yer tired of telling OF his speculation
nth Ned early in the spring.
At eight O'Clock the meeting was
called 70 order by the former presid Mt.
Col. Hooper, who WAS reelected prcsi-
q nj by reclamation.
Hon Jared Sharp. the former secre-
AIRY of the society. was next nominat-
4. and the nomination was duly sec
ended
Mr. Sharp arose and said:
"Gentlemen-For six consecutive
winters have held the position OF sec
e,ary>of our Farmers Club. J am get
ling along in years. and feel like
resting on my laurels thus far obtain
d My hand is getting clumsy. and
day by day my writing grows more
Grabbed. think it would be better for
me 20 resign in favor OF some younger
and more energetic farmer have
anticipated this denomination, and.
having received It, | claim the right
OF naming my successor; in looking
over the young and progressive far
mers of our town. | have at last
thought OF one who during his brief
farming life has shown most wonder
ful penetration into Natures secrets,
and has had remarkable success IN MS
labors. have, | think, found the
growing man OF our farming commu-
nifty. and one who will do Us honor II
raised into ,he honorable board OF Of
ficers OF our Farmers Club, and, there-
fore. gentlemen, | positively decline
serving you IN the capacity of secre-
tary of our club for the ensuing year,
and take pleasure in presenting for
your consideration the name OF our
young farmer. Ned Jackson, Esq.
AS Hon. Jared Sharp sat down, there
was a general clapping OF hands, wniie
Ned sat with a crimson face ana
dazed look. Before the cheers died
away. Prof Hunt of the village school,
who was himself a member of the cluO,
arose and seconded the motion, and us
he did so, declared that he had been
Neds teacher for the past two years,
and that while he did not know so
much of Ned Jackson's farming abili-
ties perhaps. as did Hon. Jared sharp,
yet he would be pleased to testify that
his work in school was such as would
warrant his assuming the position for
which he had been nominated, and
whose nomination be now SO gladly
seconded.
When Prof. Hunt sat down there
was another round of applause and
Nod's face was more crimson than
ever.
The President. Col Hooper, then
said:
"Gentlemen-lt has been moved and
seconded that our young farmer, Mr..
Ned Jackson. become our secretary for
the coming year If this be your
minds. you will please say L.
A roaring Il" came from all parts
Of the room.
Contrary minded" called Col.
Hooper
There was a dead silence.
1T is a unanimous vote. said the
president. The newly elected secre-
tary will please take his seat and at
once assume his duties.
The awe-struck, surprised Ned did
no. move His establishment was be-
yond expression.
And now. Mr.. President" said the
retiring secretary, If it is not out OF
order, | woul4 like to De comn1tte"
70 escort GU. new secretary, Mr. jack
son 10 his seat
Permission is given, there beine no
objection raised said TN" president.
The Hon Jared sharp then left his
seat and went TO where the blushing
Ned sat. He drew Ned's arm in his
own and led him 20 his seat beside
tn president and then introduced HIM
20 he club a. the new secretary, when
there was another round OF applause.
Tie other officers were quickly chos-
On and the Iemaping business tran
sacted when the debates began ard
he exercises for the good OF the
Tub followed All during the evening
Ned sat like one in a dream and we
fear had but little idea Of what was
said. set he heard enough TO make
GOOD record OF the business of the
v.uing
When the session closed. a good'y
number Of people came mp ana con
graduated the young secretary on his
position Even the retiring secretary
again came and complimsnted Ned OF
being his successor. and while be w-s
.prakine MS daughter. Nellie brig d.
faced girl of fifteen years. stood be-
SIDE him Mr. Sharp noticed her and
said. BY the way Nellie. | wish &C
Introduce 20 YOU your fathers success
sor; this is Air. Ned Jacy.on. waoT
Uncle Jones Las so often spoken 81 al
our house"
Ned had never spoken with No'lis
before He had never supposed thu
the daughter OF Hon. Jared ~ ~
would care 20 speak 10 MIN. ard lis
face grew even more crimson tim e.