The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1915-10-12
INTRODUCED HERSELF AND FRIEND TO PRESIDENT

The following article, which VIII b
Of interest to Keokuk, is taken from
the Dallas News and is written
Mrs. Thomas j. Walker. who befor
her marriage was Carrie McCrary, tn
daughter of Geo. W. MoCrary, ant
cousin of Mrs. Lee A. Hamill. Tn
George w. McCrary home in keokul
was at 6lS Franklin street and durin:
their residence there it was the seen
of many brilliant social affairs. Tn
Keosauqua Republican recently re
printed the article and Editor Rowle.
received a nice letter OF acknowledge
ment from Carrie McCrary Walker
The indented introduction paragrap!
Is rom Editor Rowley:
The writer OF the following
"Reminiscences of incidents in
Washington City for the Keosau-
qua Republican, is a daughter OF
the late Secretary OF War George
". McCrary. She was born in
Keokuk. Ia, and grew to woman
hood while her home was there.
Her father was well known by
Van Buren, county people, and he
often visited his father, the late
James McCrary. who lived and
died at Vernon, this county.
George W. McCrary also served
for many years as United States
circuit Judge. He was a nephew
Of the late Maj. j. G. McCrary
and Hon. A. n. McCrary of Keo-
sauqua. His brother. Miner Nc
Crary, and his only sister. Mrs.
DR.. Cooley of Pennington. sur
Hve. as do his cousins, Oscar Mo
Crazy Of Keosauqua, c. r. Nc
Crazy Of DoudsLeando and Ira G.
McCrary of Ottumwa. The
writer (then Carrie McCrary)
married Thomas J. Walker. and
her home is now at Dallas. Tex.
Van Buren, county people will
read with interest what she says
Of her LIE before marriage when
in Washington City as little girl
while her father was member Of
congress and later secretary of
war. when trying days Of the ma
ton were on during the closing
period OF reconstruction Of the
south following the civil war.
1t was before my father, Georg'
w. McCrary of Iowa, entered the cab
met, and during his many years II
congress and the state senate, which
he entered at the age of 81, that m,
acquaintance with many Of the noted
characters of the day began. have
a vivid recollection OF a reception
given in honor OF Gen. U. S. Grant II
to the presidency. With a small
;rI frta ,pf>
auctions and the enthusiasm which
bearded little man. A little later il
the evening the brilliant inspiration
came to me that we present ourselves
to the president. Leading my com
panion by the hand, I timidly ap
preached and formally announced
Mr. President, I am Carrie McCrary
and this is Mary Gray Amid mucl
laughter, the president cordial.
greeted US, and we became iriend
from that moment. In later years
when we met frequently, I was oftel
reminded of that first meeting.
At that time, as has always been
1t seems, the prominent in politics
as we'll as in all professions, we're t.
be seen in Washington. One Of tn
familiar figures on the streets wa
that of Bancroft. usually upon horse
back, noticeably erect and soldierl
figure. The great historian was
frequent visitor at our home, an,
many Of my earliest memories are o
that dignified, courteous gentleman
walking beside my father or linger
ing in the library in conversati,
with him after ether guests had dc
parted. They were at all times con
genial friends.
Knew Sitting Bull.
At about this time 1 made the az
quaintance of Sitting Bull and othe
well known Indian characters. I re
member how small and rather fright
ened l felt as I stood among the ST
ent, blanketed and feathered Indians
who bowed before me with great dill
ference. 1 heard Sitting Bull mur
muir: Her father-heap big chief!
They probably inferred from m.
fathers title of secretary OF war tina
he was a great warrior, and the.
honored me accordingly.
One afternoon, when in my fl
faenth yoar my mother. 5ocorfad m,