The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1906-08-31
"Uncle John" Cook Celebrates
His SOth Anniversary
Monday.
IS YET HALE and HEARTY.
Presented With Beautiful Morris
Rocker as a Memorial of
the Occasion.

John Cook of Decatur township re-
sides on farm 10 miles from Paw Paw.
Last Monday he attained his S0th year.
He is hale and hearty old man of
English birth, who came to this country
56 years ago, locating in Paw Paw. His
faithfulness, industry and uniform in
tegrity soon gave him place in the con-
fdence of all who knew him, and his
friends increased until the word chou
sands" is appropriately applied to the
number. He became a student OF Amer
ican Institutions and soon became
thoroughly imbued with American ideas.
He attained fair knowledge of eco
nomic and other political questions, and
is a rugged all around debater aud
writer. He SHES his castor into the
arena and challenges al! comers. 1t is a
trait Of his to take sides with the under
dog He is therefore democrat He
has acquired competency by his habits
of industry and economy, and is sur
rounded by his children, grandchildren
and friends. He is happy and grows old
gracefully, and, standing on the brink
Of the dark and turbid river which
divides time and eternity, is ready to
take the plunge when the summons
comes with courage and without fear.
A number of his friends, knowing of
the anniversary of his 90th birthday,
planned surprise for him With num-
erous baskets of the choicest viands for
picnic supper, they repaired to his
home, arriving about o'clock D. M.
They found him barefoot with his pants
rolled up to his knees and his sleeves to
his elbows engaged in the daily rounds
of duty. Was he surprised? You can
bet he was. Thirty or 40 men and
women of more or less prominence drop
ping in upon him like ar apparition
under such circumstances could have no
other effect. The cookies OF his kind
old heart were warmed, and be gave ex-
pressions of the most unbounded gratIfi-
cation and welcome. Seats were soon
provided in the front yard, and all were
at once engaged in the most friendly
converse. As the hour of o'clock ap-
preached, long table was arranged on
the lawn in the shade beneath the sway
| ing branches of beautiful and symmet-
rically formed trees. The deft hands of
the ladies spread a repast upon it eft
for the Gods" Before being seated at
the banquet board, an expensive uphol-
stored rocker was placed at the head OF
the table, a present from the friends as
memorial of the occasion. Mr.. Cook
was then escorted to it. and, after a
short presentation speech from Judge
Heckert, it was gratefully accepted by
him in a few choked aud broken SEN
tences, the tears yelling up in his eyes.
He was at last confronted by situation
in which his usually glib tongue was
! unable to articulate sound. All we're
then seated and partook of both sub
stantials and dainties most bountifully
supplied. Edison Woodman, veteran
of the war, and of course advanced in
years, carried of the belt on appetite
and capacity to vanquish ali kinds of
food within reach. He had several close
seconds. The meal was greatly relished
by all.
After the banquet, Judge Heckert.
acting as toastmaster, called on Mr.. Cook
for further remarks, who, after having
somewhat recovered his composure, gave
the company an old time talk. Mr..
Cavanaugh and others followed in
strain of laudation of the career Of the
host, after which all returned to their
respective homes, leaving Friend Cook
the happiest man in the entire township
OF Decatur.
Those participating in this act of
kindness towards deserving fellow cit
izen feel amply repaid for their efforts
in the JOY and good cheer carried to the
heart of worthy man standing so near
the sunset OF long and useful life.
4