Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1905-01-20
JOHN AND MRS. WEBB SURPRISED.
Iowa and Dakota Friends Con-
gregate at the Home of Mr..
Webb in Lyon County and
Do Something.

officials and men who have accomplish.
ed some notable undertaking during
their administration, because people as
a rule, are always glad to honor those
to whom honor is due.
The good citizens of Inwood ndCan.
ton and those who live between these
towns have for many years tried in
vain to secure the erection of bridge
over the Sioux river two and a half
miles due east of Canton. The slum
bering echoes of past efforts were taken
up by supervisor John Webb of Lyon
county last fall and carried forward to
success with the aid of county commits.
sioner Cuppett of Canton, and finally
taken up by the officials of both coun-
ties and contract let for the erection
of the bridge in the spring.
For the special work performed by
Messrs. Webb and Cuppett in securing
this much needed improvement, it was
thought best that these gentlemen
should be recognized in some way for
their services. John Syverud, big
Lyon township farmer, started SUBJ
scription paper for the purpose of pro-
curing some slight testimonial and in
due time date for a surprise party
was arranged.
Thursday of last week was the day
set and it was cold day for such work,
but Is below weather did not deter
those engaged in the enterprise. Four
teen gentlemen went from Canton and
Joined as many more at the home of
Col. Nighbert, neighbor of Mr. Webb
1t was early in the afternoon when
this party started for Mr.. Webb's home,
and when this imposing body got there
John and his wife were ready to sur
render the house and give quit.claim
deed of the farm if allowed to depart
in peace for Canton. Mr., and Mrs.
Webb were soon assured that their
visitors came on an errand of pleasure
and not to carry away the farm. Mr..
and Mrs. Webb soon got their guests
thawed out and the purpose of the
visit began to unfold when Col. Nigh
best arose and began to address Mr.
Webb, an address which, we are told
by those who were there was gem of
modest eloquence, replete with pun
and point. He told of how all great
men had been honored and how great
men had been rewarded and of the love
and respect of all for him who had
been true and loyal in the midst of
conflicting interests. Then with q
sweep of his hand said: "See these
friends they came here today to pay
their respects to you, to show you in a
modest way how much they ad-
mire an honest man, how much they
respect man who stands for q pur.
pose and wins glorious battle where
all others failed. We came here today,
Mr. Webb, and represent many more
who could not come, to present you
with token of our esteem, and as soon
as it can be brought within the DOORS l
will, in behalf of your Lyon township
and Canton friends present you with q
Sioux River bridge souvenir in the
shape of writing desk and bookcase
combined, in honor of your faithful
service to the people on both sides of
the Big Sioux"
Mr.. Webb arose with the modesty of
a Henry Clay and began an address of
thanks but had not proceeded very far
when Mr.. F. M Treat of Canton informed
the gentleman, that the jury had not
finished its task and the visitors still
had the floor. Mr.. Webb sat down
and wondered what was coming.
Mr.. Treat turned and began to ad-
dress the good lady of the house. The
speaker told of the good deeds of great
men and the worldly honors which
generally follow mans triumphs, but
in most cases, the speaker said, mans
triumphs in life are largely due to the
counsel and help of his wife, and he
was satisfied, he said, THAT in honor
ing Mrs. Webb" he and his friends
were "honoring Mr.. Webb, and it was
the purpose of this surprise party to
honor BOTH
"For," continued the speaker. 1.-The