Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1924-07-30
FAMILY LIFE,
POLITICS, ETC.
CENTURY AGO
Kin of JOS. Mccoy Penned
Letter to Friend.

Letter 10 L Il0Ilus
The following letter was written to
some friend in Ireland by j. A. Nc
Coy's great-grandfather, Robert Nc
Murray. After lengthy opening he
says:
Salem, N. Y, Aug. 4, 1911.
you tell us of the distressed sit
uation of your country. 1t affects me
much. Famine is a great evil. am
much surprised that more of your peo-
pie do not emigrate to this country,
where through the blessings of an in
dulgent Providence we have great
plenty of the good things of this life.
And if any are reduced to poverty,
they have no need to go begging as is
the case with you, for the law of the
state has provided abundantly for
their relief.
''It is law of the state that every
town shall maintain their own poor.
And if anyone has gained what they
call settlement, in any town, they
have first claim upon that town for
their maintenance.
Il have been OVerSeer of the poor
for this town for number of years,
and am therefore acquainted with the
business. The means by which they
are supported is the monies raised by
licenses given to tavern keepers, and
fines collected for breach of the Sab
bath, and other immoralities. If this
falls short there is money raised off
the town for this purpose.
Many Ministers
Il would say something as to the
state of religion in this part of the
country. 1t is something observable
that when I came to this country there
were but three ministers which belong
to the secession. One in New York,
one in Little Britain, about sixty
miles up the North river, and one at
this place. Now there are nine in that
distance.
Il suppose there is not a part in
America where the Gospel is in such
plenty as in this place We have four
ministers not more than IL miles
apart and another so miles, and one
about 120.
"Mr. George Main in Argyle, Mr.
James Gray in Hebron, Mr.. James
Main in New Galloway, Mr.. John Dun
lap in Cambridge. Although this is
the case iniquity and profanity abound
to a great degree.
Political Affairs
eve are not altogether happy as to
our political affairs. There is such a
party spirit prevails that it is likely
to turn out very serious. There is one
part called the Democrat and the 9th
er part calls themselves Federals
The Federals say that the Democrats
are under French influence. And the
Democrats say the FederalS are I'M
der British influence. And there is a
great battle for superiority.
"The Democrats seem at present to
prevail And we have Mr.. Jefferson in
the presidential chair. He favors that
side of the question. He is turning all
out of office that do not favor that
side and appointing others in their
room of the Democratic party, which
is giving great offense.
Where it Started
1--WE have very much contested
election in this state this spring for
governor which terminated this spring
in Mr.. Clinton's favor. He is follow
ing the example of the president in
turning out all Federals and appoint
ing Democrats in their place. Where
these things may end remains in the
womb of time to disclose. AS for my
part 1 am not SO much of politician
to understand the foundation of the
controversy. Neither do L give myself
very much trouble about obtaining the
necessary means of information. All
the information 1 get is from the pub
lie newspapers and as far as l can
form any judgment in the affairs, is
that it is strife who shall be great
est, who shall lead in public and po-
litical affairs. l would fondly believe
that both parties had the good of the
country at heart. / also think that
were we invaded by an enemy of what
nation soever, we would ali unite in
the defense of our common cause.
Family Affairs
Concerning family affairs, I can
tell you that through the blessing and
long suffering patience of kind and
merciful God, we are all in the land
of the living and enjoying good health.
All excepting brother Mathew, who is
sometimes troubled in rheumatic
pains. 1 cannot help the reflection on
the goodness of God to us as a family.