The Logan Republican. [volume] (Logan, Utah) 1902-1924, 1913-02-04

ry tree. This Is a story Of james
MADDEN, who lives today, and wilC
cherry tree that stood within thu
lines of old Fort Necessity in Fay
cite county, Pa, the only place
where Washington ever capitulatet
TO a foe.
From the stump OF this old tree
which shared better than its kins
man connected with the Ratchet cpl
sode, inasmuch as its life is believ,
ed to have extended considerably ov'
er century-James MADDEN OF
Uniontown, Pa, has constructed a
bust OF Washington. The unique
souvenir, patterned after the famous
Houdon bust, is pronounced re.
markable likeness of the father or
his country.
II is especially priced by its ma
ker because, after careful investi-
cation Mr.. Hadden has become con-
WINGED that the tree lived during
Washington's time and was probab-
ly standing on the day of the mem
orable surrender at Fort Necessity,
July 4, 1854.
) At all events the bust made from
the stump Of this old tree links the
past with the present In singular
fashion. Mr.. Hadden spent much
time in experimenting with methods
to be used in constructing the model
finally hitting upon plan that was
satisfactory, and completing the
work in the latter part Of 1912.
In constructing the bust he procur-
ed a plaster cast over which plas-
ter matrix was formed. Wood taken
from the old stump was reduced to
sawdust, this being made necessary
on account Of the tree being hollow,
Just enough monolith cement was
added to cause the sawdust to ad'
here and solidify. The plaster cast
and replaced by the cherry tree
wood, thus producing a replica in the
wood.
The bust has been on exhibition
in Uniontown and has called forth
the most favorable concentrations
from those who have inspected it.
Certificates have been obtained by
Mr.. Hadden from persons who wit.
messed the reduction of the old
stump to sawdust and the construc
ton of the sculpture to prove the
genuineness of the memento.
Mr.. Hadden's recital of the his
toricaul events connected with the
surrender at Fort Necessity adds a
new touch of interest to Washing
tons early military career, and east
ly explains why so much time and
labor should have been spent by hin
in constructing a bust of the first
decayed remains of wild cherr!
tree.
Those who are at all conversan
with American history" he states
ARE aware that England based he,
claim to the new continent upon dis
covery and treaty with the Indiar
tribes, and that, while she lay dorm
ers established themselves on on,
northern coasts and penetrated tn,
great Mississippi valley, establishing
their forts, their missions and thei
trading posts; planting leaden plat
in evidence of their formal posses
sion of the Ohio valley, and electinj
every English trader from the terri
tory.
George Washington, who had jus
attained his majority, was commits
stoned by Gov. Dinwiddie of Virgin
ia as an envoy to visit the Frencl
posts at the head Of the Alleghan,
river and demand of the commandan
of the French forces stationed Their,
his reasons for the encroachment up
on the territory claimed by the En-
NioNH anu ulSO W Uls
withdrawal, Here Washington was
informed that the French had com,
10 stay and, further, that they inten
ded to eject every English trader
from the Ohio valley.
This called for immediate action
upon the part of Dinwddie, who sent
small force under the command OF
Ensign Ward to hold the forks of
the Ohio against further encroach.
ment by the French. But the French
descended the Allegheny in such
numbers as to compel Ward to sur
render without a blow. In the mean.
time Washington was placed in com.
mand of small force to proceed TO
the forks OF the Ohio and reinforce
Ward in holding that important posi-.
ton.
Washington, however, learned of
the surrender of Ward and proceed
ed as far as the Great Meadows,
Nuh h. /,