The Delta independent., 1913-11-21
A Birthday Surprise.


Editor Independent: Knowing you
appreciate an item of local news, l
venture to send you this, want of time
preventing my getting it to you for last
weeks issue.
On Wednesday, the 18th inst, there
seemed to be, and was, lively move
ment among the ladies OF Woman's
Relief Corps of Delta, and in the early
forenoon five autos and three buggies
were noticed leaving your beautiful
little town, headed toward the Sur
face Creek section. Each conveyance
was filled with a joyous happy crowd
The question among those who wit
messed the departure of this delegation
OF Delta's best citizens, and knowing
by their badges, to what order they
belonged, was what mission of mercy
they were going on. As the ladies be
longed TO a secret order their destina-
tion was kept secret, and to any ques-
tion the reply OF nothing doing" end
ed the interview. The embargo Of
secrecy has been lifted and I am per
mitted to reveal the secret.
November 18th, 1913, was the 18th
birthday of Mr.. J. Keiser, who resides
on Surface Creek one and one-half
miles north of Austin. His wife, who
is a member of the Delta Corps, deter
mined to perpetrate a surprise on Mr..
Keiser on that occasion, and entered
into conspiracy with the members to
help her carry it out. 1t proved a
success. While Mr.. Keiser was busy
with his ranch work, she gathered her
materials, and had them stored away
'Sna of his sight About IL a. m. the
first load of conspirators arrived in
a buggy and as il looked as if il might
rain. begged shelter for awhile. BY
the time he put their horse up and got
to the house. three auto loads had ar
rived, and in a few minutes two more
drove up, and also two more carriages.
BY this time Mr. Keiser realized there
was something doing" and tumbled
TO the true meaning OF the day, and
was forced to admit that for once his
wife had been able to keep a secret.
1t was a real. genuine surprise. All
present enjoyed the occasion greatly
and none more than Mr.. Keiser.
A royal good dinner was partaken of,
the ride of morning whetting the ap-
petite of all. After dinner the guests
assembled in the rooms and Captain
Bragg. of Delta. was called on and
made a very appropriate and interest
ing address, as he always does when
called up on any occasion. Mrs.
Phelps. the president of the Relief
Corps. then made an address con
graduating Mr.. Keiser on having
reached his present ege, and present
ed him on behalf of the corps, a sill
yer spoon. engraved with the time.
place. name of corps. etc. very beau
tiful and appropriate gift. Mr.. kiser
responded in a few words, thanking
the ladies for their kind remembrance
of him. and above all for the friend
ship. respect and good will shown, and
bidding them all q cordial welcome to
his home at any and all times. Mrs.
Capt. Bragg. Miss Trip, Mrs. Cade
and Mrs. Keiser, responded to calls
in few minute talks.
The following were present: Capt.
Bragg and wife, Mrs. Laura Travis,
Mrs. f. l.. Hick, Mrs. Mary Mathers.
Mrs Eva Seeley Mrs. Carrie Seaton,
Mrs. Nancy Gabel, Mrs. Maupin, Mrs,
Arterberry, Mrs. Lindsey, Mrs. Nellie
Pratt, Mrs Grim. Mrs. Sarah Smith.
Miss Trip. Mrs. Della Baldwin, Mrs.
Elena Cade, Mrs. Grace Cole, Mrs.
Collins, Mrs. Beach, Mrs. Gilbert. Mrs.
Faulkner. Mrs. Tom Seaton. Mrs.
Hawkins, Mrs. II. p. Phelps, Mrs, Wal
Ter. Mrs. Scctt. Messrs. Travis, Brown,
Collins and Faulkner. acted rs chauf'
feurs. Mrs. Seeley drove her own car,
With best wishes and many returns
of the day to Mr.. and Mrs. Keiser,
the guests left for their homes.
ONE WHO WAS THERE.