The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1918-02-14

fer, and host of others who former
ly resided in Illinois. Quite a number
of their friends were invited in to
mingle with them.
At three o'clock all repaired to the
high school building where an inter-
esting program was rendered in the
Assembly room. This was one of the
most interesting programs the writer
! has enjoyed in long time, and we
want to say right here that Surrey
has many of the larger cities backed
off the boards with their musical tai
ent.
The session was called to order by
President D. T. Dierdorff, who has
ruled the destiny of the association
since its origin. He has been faith
full official and much of it's success is
due to his alertness.
The Star Spangled Banner was sung
by the company after which the pres
ident gave the address of welcome.
He was in happy mood and his wit
brot forth peals of laughter. He COM
plimented the Minot folks-on their
excellent appetites-and said the Sur
rey people were glad to be their hosts
and hoped they'd come again. He
didn't exactly like the term "sucker'
as applied to an Illinoisan.
The response was given by G. d.
Colcord of Minot, who referred to the
pleasure of being entertained by the
Surrey folks, who had built up such
splendid religious community, excel
lent school system and an insurpass-
able farming district which enables
them to market their products almost
any day in the year.
A piano duet was rendered by Mrs.
David Stouhfer and Miss Evelyn Fox
in faultless manner.
Miss Brown, the charming daugh-
ter of Mr.. and Mrs. Orlando Brown,
rendered vocal solo. She has very
pleasing and we'll trained voice.
D. A. Stouffer, the capable superin-
tendent of the Surrey schools, deliver
ed an address in an eloquent manner.
He referred to the pleasant memories
of Illinois, but he asked what is grand
err than a view Of the North Dakota
prairies, North Dakota sunset, the
sight of the sun dogs as they follow
the sun all day long and the Northern
lights at night, or even North Da-
kota blizzard.
Mrs. Stouffer executed a piano solo
with rare charm. She is an accom-
plished musician and valuable addl-
ton to Surveys musical circles.
Rev. Mr.. Shipley read a we'll pre-
pared essay on Abraham Lincoln, re-
calling the lessons that one may
letarn by making study of his life.
Miss Lola Dierdorff sang sweetly
solo. She chose selection pertain
ing to our war heroes, very approprl-
ate and popular. Il
Prof. Fox executed a violin solo in
a way that elected much applause.
He guides his bow with a master
hand.
Atty. John J. Coyle gave an unusu-
allv interesting address. Mr.. Coyle's
boyhood home was Freeport, ILL.,, and
his father, who is still living, was an
early friend of Abraham Lincoln. His
father lived on a homestead not Tar
from Freeport back in the fiftles ana
his big farm house, being about nan
way between two county seat towns
the Judges making their circuit, often
stopped for the night at the Coyle
home. They rode on horses and the
LAWYERS accompanied them. Lincoln
was one of the attorneys and warm
friendship sprung up between Mr..
Coyle's father and Lincoln, despite
the fact that they did not agree polit-
ically. Some warm but friendly dis
.putes between the men arose. When
Lincoln went to Freeport to take part
in that memorable debate with Steph-
ensA. Douglas, Coyle's father hitched
his oxen to the wagon early that
morning and was in Freeport early.
He drove up to the hotel, hoping to
get a look at his champion, Douglas.