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The Silver Dollar Surprise
It was a rainy Saturday, November 14, 1891, when Rev. Jasper L. Douthit dodged the raindrops as he stepped down from the wooden porch of the two-story brick Unitarian parsonage in Shelbyville, Illinois, and dashed past the First Congregationalist (Unitarian) Church he pastored.
He made the familiar stroll down the brick-paved street to the Shelby County Courthouse at the south end of the block. As a young boy, Douthit had watched a young attorney by the name of Abraham Lincoln practice law on that site. When he grew into a young man, Douthit witnessed the Lincoln-Douglas-Thornton debate here. His image appears in the background of Robert Root’s historic painting of the event. The painting still hangs in that courthouse.
These life experiences formed Douthit’s backbone for championing reforms throughout his life and his life’s work. He jeopardized his very life recruiting soldiers in the war against slavery, inspired by the works and words of Mr. Lincoln. After the Civil War, Douthit moved on to farmer reforms, prohibition, social purity, women’s rights and a plethora of other causes.
On this particular November day, he thought he was heading for yet another temperance reform meeting—and that he was in charge. Douthit had organized this W. C. T. U. (Woman’s Christian Temperance Union) with Mrs. Helen Gougar and Col. James Felter as speakers. Shelby County resident, Francis M. Perryman was scheduled to sing an original temperance song he had composed. Local residents would accompany Perryman on various musical instruments. There would be speeches at the courhouse and a social at the church. It was sure to be an eventful day to fill the lull between harvest and Thanksgiving.
But, in spite of being the organizer, Douthit was in for a surprise. The keynote speaker, Mrs. Helen Gougar, had enlisted the help of members of Douthit’s church to collect enough silver dollars to help pay off at least some of the mortgage on the parsonage.
Three
members of Douthit’s own congregation collected addresses of his
closest friends and strongest admirers while Mrs. Gougar had
invitations printed out of town. Doing so helped preserve the element
of surprise and it resolved the dilemma over choosing a printer. Since
Douthit & Sons were in the printing business, having the
invitations engraved locally would have meant having to hire one of
Douthit’s direct business competitors—and risking someone divulging the
secret.Mrs. J. G. Cochran, Mrs. Mattie L. (Myers) Huffer and Annie Colt formed the committee responsible for sending the invitations and collecting the silver dollars. Mrs. J. G. Cochran has since gone down in history as the inventor of the dishwasher that eventually bore the KitchenAid name. But at that time, her greatest claim to fame was local in nature. Josephine Garis Cochran was the wife of William A. Cochran, the first person to join the Unitarian church in Shelbyville and the person who spearheaded the fund-raising efforts resulting in the construction of the church building. He had passed away a number of years before the Silver Dollar surprise and now his wife was heading the efforts to pay off the mortgage on the adjoining parsonage.
Paying off a mortgage one dollar at a time sounds overwhelming a century later. But one dollar in 1891 would be the equivalent of about $20.00 in 2004. Many people donated more than a single dollar. At least one donor took a political stance and explained why she was donating scrip in lieu of silver or gold.
Several included private notes promising to personally pay off any remaining balance after the Silver Dollar Surprise party. Personal notes and even original poems accompanied donations.
But nothing tells a story better than someone who was there. Jasper Douthit preserved this moment in history within the pages of his own newspaper.
| The Court House Meetings.
Reform Address By Col. James Felter in the Morning.
A Crowded Court Room to Hear Mrs. Gougar in the Afternoon. Social Dinner With the W. C. T. U.—An Original Song by Bro. Perryman—Etc., Etc. |
GRAND DONATION PARTY Rev. J. L. and Mrs. Douthit the Victims of a Donation Surprise Party.
Shelbyville Daily “Union”,” Nov. 16. |
| Owing
to the bad weather the crowd was rather late in gathering at the Court
House in the morning. However, at about 11 o’clock Chairman Killam
called the meeting to order. Divine blessing was invoked by Rev. W. J.
Boon. Bro. F. M. Perryman sang an original song which we give in
another place and Col. Felter gave one of his masterly, convincing
speeches on the “Liquor Question.” We lack a report, but Col. Felter
has given us in manuscript an article containing many of his facts and
arguments which we propose to give to our readers soon. At about 12
o’clock adjourned for dinner at Thornton’s hall, served by the ladies
of the county W. C. T. U., where a sociable time was enjoyed as well as
a bountiful repast. In The Afternoon.
By half past one, the hour at which Mrs. Gougar was to speak, every
seat in the court room was taken and some were standing. Prof. J. A.
Patton led in singing some Prohibition songs. Rev. M. A. Cox offered
prayer. Then Mrs. Gougar made an eloquent speech of about two hours and
thirty minutes in length in which she dealt effective blows at the
prevailing politics of the country and argued that a great change for
the better would be brought about if women were given their political
rights. She was frequently applauded, and through [sic] some living a
distance were compelled to leave before the close, all who remained
listened with rapt attention and could have been entertained much
longer. We are sorry that a full report of her speech cannot appear in
this issue. At the close, after requesting Chairman Killam to call the
victim out side the room for a few minutes Mrs. Gougar disclosed the
special object of her visit by stating that funds to pay a mortgage on
the Unitarian parsonage had been raised and reading the invitation to
the “Silver Dollar Surprise” on Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Douthit. She then
extended a general invitation [sic] to all to participate, saying that
as it was impossible that the committee should know all the friends of
the family very probably some would not receive printed invitations who
should have received them, therefore this public invitation and notice
that all are most cordially invited and welcome to participate in the
exercises at the Unitarian church at the hour named.A collection sufficient to defray the expenses of the meeting (Mrs. Gougar and Col. Felter both donated their services) was taken and the meeting adjourned. Bro. Perryman’s Song.
O, I had a happy home and I lived in peaceful
pleasure, But now I’m a renter old and poor; When I drank up all my money, I had to give a mortgage, Now, I’ll never vote for whisky any more. CHORUS.— O I’ll ne’er forget the day when they came and closed the mortgage, How my wife and little children all did cry! O, give me back my home and take away the whisky, And I’ll vote for Prohibition till I die. Now, I move from place to place like a poor old worn out stranger, And I never can have pleasure any more, And I always think my preacher should have warned me of my danger, Instead of voting for the dramshop at my door. I’m glad to know the women have enlisted in this warfare For God and for their homes they take their stand, And they’ll never quit the field while the country is in danger, While the whisky and corruption rule the land. O, may God forgive the church, its member caused my ruin, For they voted for the dram shop at my door, But they surely didn’t think till they came and closed the mortgage, Which has left me a renter old and poor. |
When
the pretty Unitarian church and parsonage were built on North
Washington street, there was a debt contracted. A few citizens carried
it for several years; then some benevolent men gave their part to Rev.
J. L. Douthit. Mr. Douthit then made a loan on his house and paid the
rest off. This summer Mrs. Helen M. Gougar and Gov. St. John and some others concluded to lift this weight from Mr. Douthit’s shoulders. Without letting him know anything about it, Mrs. J. G. Cochran, Mrs. Mattie Huffer, Miss Colt and some others took the matter in charge and it culminated Saturday night last in a social meeting at the church. It rained so that many were prevented getting there but the room was well filled. John T. Killam and Mrs. Gougar assumed control. Speeches were made by Mrs. Gougar, Col. Felter, J. T. Killam and Geo. D. Chafee. A great many letters were read expressing in very characteristic manner the sentiments and good wishes of the writers and contributors. While this generous act was conceived by Prohibitionists, its success was assured from the liberality of men and women who were neither allied to that party nor to the religious sect to which Rev. Douthit belongs. Persons of all sects and of no sect—red hot democrats and original black Republicans, acted in unison. The extremes met—Boston, Concord, Mass., Louisville, Ky., Ann Arbor, Mich., Normal, Ill., Olathe, Kan., Waukesha, Wis., portland, Or., are only a few from which I cull the sentiment of universal brotherhood of man—to paraphrase Burus—”Man’s humanity to man makes countless thousands glad.” As J. T. Sunderland expressed his wishes with his gift—”May the silver of the dollars to a little to keep the silver out of your hair. May the music they make in your pockets make your steps lighter and charm away the evil spirit of care and anxiety. Rev. Brooke Herford says, “Thanks for reminding me of the mortgage. Enclosed find $100.” this will convince all that Herford is good stock. Col. D. C. Smith sends his congratulations to “Jasper and his good wife” and a very pretty check for a nice sum. H. W. Eliot responded from St. Louis with a draft for $25, saying he did not want the scheme to fail for a few dollars “not in sight;” which was interpreted to be a threat to lift what might be left—but it’s not needed—thanks. In short, the “Silver Dollar Surprise” was a surprise indeed, footing up $1339 and lifting a mortgage off a home and a load off a man’s shoulders who has devoted his time and life to the kind of work that as a rule meets no “filthy lucre reward.” This was not quite the old-fashioned “donation party” where the neighbors and friends carry in a lot of useless articles, take possession of the pastor’s home and proceed to “clean him out,” leaving the family in a frame of mind to “thank the Lord”—that the friends were gone. Mr. Douthit tried to respond and thank the friends present and absent, but the best thing he said was to hand his wife the note and mortgage, pay her a lovely tribute and say she could take care of the finances better than he. The emotions he felt were better seen in what he could not say than in what he said—but like Tiny Tim, he said and felt “God bless you all.” A vote of thanks was carried for Mesdames Gougar, Cochran, Huffer and Miss colt for their good and efficient work. A lunch of sandwiches and coffee cake and grapes was served—a pleasant chatter and renewal of acquaintance and all went home to sleep better for this work well done. To moralize one sentence—Do you, honest reader, recall a time when your generosity or charity has in any way injured you? —One There More About The Surprise From the Daily “Union,” Nov. 17. Mr. Editor:—Allow me to say that while the report of the affair at the Unitarian church last Saturday night by “One There” is very accurate and admirable as far as it goes, yet there was one part of the program which was not mentioned. I refer to the music. Mr. Perryman’s songs, the composition and music both being very original, afforded great amusement to the audience. The sweet playing on the horn by Miss Garrett of Windsor, accompanied on the organ by Miss Garis was well received and heartily encored. To say that Mrs. Chafee sang one of her sweetest songs is saying a good deal, and when she lead the audience in the singing of “Auld Lang Syne” the feelings of all the hearts were stirred. It called back to the innocence of childhood and the dearie days of yore.” —Another One There |
| The Surprise Of the Mortgage Lifted. The Speeches and Some of the Letters. It turns out that Mrs. Gougar did not visit Shelbyville last Saturday purposely to make a speech on “Woman Suffrage,” although she did make a bright and lively speech in the afternoon at the court house and the large room was crowded with deeply interested auditors. She spoke from two o’clock till after four o’clock p.m. When she closed the rain was pouring down. It was understood that she was to be given a reception at the Unitarian church at night. At least that is what the pastor of that church had been given to understand, and he thought that invitation cards had been sent out by the committee of ladies for that purpose. But in fact, the following is a copy of the card of invitation which he did not see till the day after. Mrs. Gougar had them printed at an office in Adrian, Mich.: You are cordially invited to participate
in the SILVER DOLLAR SURPRISE to be tendered to Mr. and Mrs. Jasper L. Douthit, in appreciation of their life long devotion to reform and Christian works, at the Unitarian Church and Parsonage, Shelbyville, Illinois, Saturday evening, November fourteen, one thousand eight hundred ninety-one at seven o’clock. HELEN M. GOUGAR, JOSEPHINE G. COCHRAN, COMMITTEE. This invitation was read publicly at the close of her speech by Mrs. Gougar and the invitation made to everybody to come. By some mishap or delay, several persons failed to receive this card until they came to hear Mrs. Gougar at the Court House, on Saturday. Then they had made no arrangements to remain for evening, and must return home to feed stock and do chores. It rained on them all the way home and kept raining till it was too late to return. Nevertheless, several did return through the rain and mud; others remained; and a number of Shelbyville people came out despite the storm; so that soon after dark the church was comfortably filled—all the seats being occupied. If it had been fair weather, it is plain there would not have been standing room. There was a surprising number of gentlemen from Pana, Windsor, Moweaqua, Tower Hill, Cowaden [Cowden] and other towns. There were farmers and their wives and daughters from a distance of six, ten, fifteen and twenty miles, even though they felt obliged to return home after the reception. It was an occasion they seemed determined not to miss for anything. When the pastor and his wife entered the church they were both surprised and delighted to find the people that were there, because there were many that they did not expect to see on such an occasion, and especially on so stormy and chilly an evening when people had been so long used to fair, mild and dry weather. The scene in the church was cheery and very beautiful. The walls and altar were tastefully decorated with evergreens, ferns, autumn leaves and flowers. The brilliant lights shown upon the frosty heads and rosy faces of old and young. Farmers and their wives and daughters, and men and women of various professions greeted each other all the more happily it seemed because of the darkness and rain outside. It was a picture long to be remembered. It may make a part of Heaven to some of us in the great hereafter. |
|
 The pulpit where the Silver Dollar Surprise announcement was made is now in use in the UU Fellowship of Decatur (Illinois). |
At about 7:30 o’clock Mrs. Gougar took the chair and called the
assembly to order and proceeded with the program. Before the exercises proper began there were social greet- ings and some music. Prof. Patton leading in singing some temperance songs, and Miss Garrett of Windsor, gave a select cornet solo accompanied on the organ by Miss Minnie Garis, responding to a hearty encore. Bro. F. M. Perryman sang one of his original farmer reform songs which was heartily enjoyed from the novelty of the style of music |
| and
the quaint political points it contained. Mrs. Gougar then called the
meeting to order, and with Mr. John T. Killam presided. She began by
requesting Mr. and Mrs. Douthit to come forward and thus addressed the
meeting: Dear Friends: Last June, under the auspices of the Prohibition State Committee of Illinois, an appointment was made for me to hold a meeting in Shelbyville. At that time and ever since I had heard of him I had always associated the name of Shelbyville, Illinois, with that of Bro. J. L. Douthit whom I had learned of as the editor of a Prohibition paper, Our Best Words Weekly, and as a brave and earnest worker for reform in Egypt and Shelby county, and I was glad of the opportunity of visiting this place and becoming better acquainted with him and the people here who have stood by him and helped him in his labors. When I came I was most hospitably entertained at the home of our brother, the Unitarian parsonage. I then found out more of his history and became more acquainted with the work he had been and was doing, as a Christian minister, and as an earnest brave advocate of needed reforms through the printed and the spoken words—efforts and sacrifice which have not been in vain. I learned, also, in the course of conversation, that there was a mortgage on this home of $1200, and considering that a minister of the gospel of Mr. Douthit’s age could likely have no way of meeting such a large amount, I resolved to undertake to pay off the mortgage. I enlisted your Chairman Killam and some lady parishioners in the work and from the first our efforts have received a hearty, generous and glad response, as you will see from the few letters that will be read this evening. In presenting this canceled mortgage to you [speaking to Mr. Douthit] we (I think I speak for all those who have contributed as well as myself) do not do it as an act of charity but as an act of simple justice due to an old and faithful minister of Christ. To Miss Annie Colt of Windsor was given the part of reading some selections from the many letters received by the committee. The reading of these was greeted with applause, and especially was the witty, bright letter of J. T. Sunderland enjoyed. The letters read are all given in this issue with others, the reading of which were omitted for lack of time. With some additional pleasant words Mrs. Gougar closed. CLOSING EXTRACT FROM COL. FELTER’S RESPONSE
During the war a soldier would strike the knapsack of the file leader and say pass it along. “Tap,” “Tap,” would go the stroke until it ran all along the line. Just so has Bro. J. L. Douthit touched a responsive chord in the heart of man by noble deeds of charity and fidelity to his God so that we tonight read letters filled with the spirit of prayer for God’s continual blessing on him—letters filled with needful cash to lift a burden; letters from the pine clad hills of the East and from the Golden Gate of the West; letters teaching him and all of us that God cares for his own and that his servants shall not beg bread. Jasper L. Douthit’s name will live and run and shine, long, long, after the names of his enemies shall have passed into the starless gap of oblivion. God bless him and his good wife: May they live to see the day when success shall crown their every effort! May they live to see the orb of day shine over a land free from Rum! May they in the sunset of life catch the sweet sound as it rides on every wave of joy through the streets of the cities and nation from the hearts of a redeemed and grateful people, singing “Nearer my God to Thee.” Bro. Douthit stands honored, vindicated and sustained, because honest, sympathetic and firm in the right. And now on behalf of all good people and in behalf of all temperance friends I tender you their appreciation for the good work well done and express their hope for your future leadership. Mr. John T. Killam was then called upon to speak for the Prohibitionists of Shelby county. He responded in substance as follows: LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:— In speaking of Brother Douthit, I can testify from a life-long acquaintance. I remember him since I was a little white-headed boy, having heard him spoken of by my older brother who was a class-mate of his in the old Shelby Seminary. One of his earliest characteristics as I recollect was zeal and earnestness in every good cause. The tie that binds the Prohibitionists of Shelby county, purely as such, is because they hold ideas and principles in common. He strongly advocates the cause which lies nearest their hearts. We believe the liquor traffic to be a sin, a great wrong, a destroyer of souls and bodies, as well as the great source of poverty and oppressive taxation. We believe in and are drawn to Brother Douthit because he has stead fastly, fearlessly, uncompromisingly and unflinchingly in the face of opposition in every conceivable shape and form adhered to, and advocated these principles. I see manifested at this meeting the fact that it is more blessed to give than receive; and I want to mention the case of one man who gave a liberal contribution to this fund, and yet is an habitual drinker himself. But he was glad he said to give to one who is doing so much to save others from this curse of intemperance. And now, may the Lord bless you all in this giving and make you to realize that it is more blessed to give than receive. And may brother and sister Douthit live long among us to advocate all these glorious reforms; and may we all live to see the day when our flag shall wave over a land free from breweries, distilleries and saloons! Hon. Geo. D. Chafee responded for the citizens of Shelbyville. Mr. Chafee’s was one of those unreportable speeches that must be heard to be fully appreciated. In speaking personally of Mr. Douthit he said that while he did not always agree with his methods and opinions he believed in his sincerity and honesty of purpose. If Mr. Douthit had fully decided a certain course or principle was right nothing could turn him from it. His witty personal allusions, comparison of this with the old time donation parties, and words of advice for the future we are unable to reproduce, but suffice it to say Mr. Chafee’s speech representing the people of Shelbyville rounded out and made complete this tribute of friends to one who would be a friend to all at home and abroad whether they see as he does or agree with the principles and reforms with which he is identified or not. Mrs. Geo. D. Chafee, accompanied by her daughter Lucia, on the organ, sang a beautiful song, after which Mr. Douthit was allowed to speak as follows: Mr. Douthit’s Response.
These remarks were impromptu and written from memory afterward. Madam President and Dear Friends: I dreamed a dream last night that I never dreamed before in my life. I said so to my wife this morning. But I am not much for dreaming nor much of a believer in dreams. And yet this surprise makes me think of that dream, although I never dreamed of what I now see and hear. However, it would not be sincere for me to say that I did not suspect something. There were strange movements in the air. Bro. John T. Killam, residing so many miles from here, had never before made an appointment, engaged the speakers and ordered it to be announced as he did in this case of Mrs. Gougar today at the Court House, without first talking with me about it; and the good women of this church had never before made such such ado for a sociable or reception as they called this, in honor of yourself and these friends, without first taking the (pastor) into their counsel and making him feel more or less responsible. But they actually did the whole affair without asking (him) a word about it. Therefore I am free of any responsibility for this; and yet I do feel somehow guilty and unhappy about something I have done or have not done, I don’t know what or which. I am embarrassed greatly. This great kindness is too much for me. I don’t feel worthy of it. Candidly, I would feel better to distribute this sum among the deserving poor or give it back to those who have placed it in my hands. And when I first had a hint that some good souls had got it in their hearts to do this kindness I seriously thought that I must decline it. But I don’t want to seem ungrateful or make my friends unhappy by rejecting an offering that I am assured is so cheerfully made and with such good motives. I am grateful. To say that I am not grateful and happy for such a token of confidence in my good intentions and such appreciation of the good I have tried to do, would be to say that I am not human. But I am human, and with many human frailties. I can most sincerely make my own that old song beginning: “The mistakes of my life have been many.” In the measure that I have lived more truth than error, it has been by the grace of the Most High. I have been compelled to speak and act by a Power not of myself. I have only done my duty and not always done that as clearly as God gave me to see it. I’m sorry tonight that I have not been more true to my birthright and the light given me. Nevertheless, there is one sin I don’t feel guilty of; and that is the love of money. Let me here and now take you each and all into my confidence, dear friends, and speak frankly. My fathers were, “Hardshell Baptists” who had scruples against ministers receiving anything for gospel labors. That foolish scruple lurks in my blood to this day, and with it such an ambition to be independent of those to whom I preach that I would rather dig for a living than seem to seek a salary for preaching. In fact, there has scarcely been one year out of any ten in my ministerial life when I could not have realized twice as large a salary in some other place as I have received here; and more than once I have been tendered lucrative offices under the government, and intimate friends have told me I was foolish for not accepting them. No, I have not cared enough for money to do my duty always to my own household, although I have always been able, thank God, and expect to die able, to pay one hundred cents on the dollar to creditors and without any donation from friends; for it is a vital part of my religious and political creed, to be honest before God and man. Then, what shall I do, dear Mrs. Gougar, about this gift now so graciously tendered me by kin friends, far and near, through your hand? Well, I do know it is more blessed to give than receive. For this reason, I shrink from spoiling the happiness of those who have joined with you in this unselfish offering. I will not do it. I therefore thankfully accept this deed as a sacred trust from Our Heavenly Father through his children and for the sake of needy humanity. One thing more, friends. You will notice from the letters read and the persons present that this generous token of good will and confidence in my good motives is not made in honor of any party or sect. I notice that at least four political parties and many faiths are represented among the donors. Why, the minister whom I now learn has contributed $100 to this object has given me the sharpest and severest criticism for my course in my paper that I have received from anyone for years. And here are Methodists, Presbyterians, Baptists and other Christians taking part. Therefore I must understand that this offering is not made, and I do not accept it in the name of any sect or party; but I do accept it in the name of Christ and universal brotherhood. Furthermore, I hereby and in this presence make this little woman at my side my trustee to keep and hold and have home or its equivalent always for herself and our little ones. She has been close beside me for thirty-four years this month. She has been my wisest oracle, best critic and most self-denying co-worker for reform and Christian work—ever tender, trusty and true in sunshine and shadow. To her, under God, belongs most of the credit for any success that has attended any of my efforts for the world’s betterment. Without her I would have made many more mistakes than I have. It has been by her business tact and household economy that we have so much of a home as we now have. Therefore, this home shall be hers. She can hold it and use it better than I can, while I join with her in doing my best to make all homes more like heaven on earth. In conclusion, allow me to recite some old verses that I clipped from a newspaper and placed in my scrap book thirty-five years ago when Brother Killam, Mrs. Chafee and others here tonight were schoolmates with me in the old Shelby Seminary. Those verses have been a sort of an inspiration to my life, although I have not repeated them in public for many years, and not sure that I can, correctly, now. They run something like this: I live for those who love me
Whose hearts are kind and true. (I always felt like adding to those lines so as to say: And for those who hate me, too, if any such there be.) For the heaven that smiles above me,
And awaits my spirit too; For all human ties that bind me; For the task by God assigned me; For the bright hopes left behind me, And the good that I can do. I live to hail that season By gifted minds foretold. When men shall live by reason And not only by gold; When man to man united, And every wrong thing righted, The whole world shall be lighted As Eden was of old. I live for those who love me, For those who know me true, For the Heaven that smiles above me, And awaits my spirit too; For the cause that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good that I can do. May God bless every one of you here to night, and may God bless all that are not here! Bless you in your homes and in all your efforts to bless humanity! Then Mrs. Chafee led in singing a few verses of Auld Lang Syne and this closed the exercises with the exception of some music during and after the refreshments. After some time spent in taking refreshments and renewing of acquaintance slowly the friends began to disperse, farewell greetings were given it seemed reluctantly and really it was near the hour of midnight when the last farewell was given, and all were wending their way to home, peaceful sleep and rest and pleasant memories we hope. At least to the recipients will the memory of those hours be one of the happiest of all the “surprises” that have ever come to them in this world. |
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| List of participants. The following is the list of names (perhaps not quite complete) of those who participated in the generous deed. The various sums credited to each of these names range from $100 to $1. From the fact that some person have requested that the amount given by them be not made public, it is therefore decided for the present to merely print the names of all the contributors without annexing to any the amount given. The committee, however, has made special acknowledgment to the individual contributing of all sums over one dollar. If any contributor has failed to receive such acknowledgment, the committee will be very thankful to be informed of the fact immediately. A marked copy of this paper will be mailed to the address of each contributor whose name is here printed. If any one knows of the omission of ay name that should be in this list, or of any inaccuracy of statement, it is specially requested that the editor of Our Best Words Weekly be at once informed of the fact, so that proper correction may be made. Mrs. Helen M. Gougar, A. Friend, A. G. Munn, Rev. Brooke Herford, John Bacon, A. Friend, Rev. Chas. G. Ames, Miss E. G. Huidekoper, Rev. W. C. Gannett, Mrs. Abbie Eliot, Kleeman & Goldstein, Wm. McMillian, Judge S. W. Moulton, Hon. Geo. D. Chafee, Rev. Frederick Huidekoper and wife, Col. D. C. Smith, Chas. Bennett and wife, A. Fear, Mrs. W. P. Johnson, John Hennick, C. J. Kurtz, Mrs. Helen Garis, Joseph W. Garis, Robert E. Guilford, Rev. C. R. Eliot, Rev. T. L. Eliot, Rev. J. T. Sunderland, Mrs. Lucy A. Haskell, N. E. Dane, Mrs. Hugh McKittrick, Thomas M. Thornton, Mrs. Ada H. Kepley, H. B. Kepley, Rev. F. L. Hosmer, A. A. Low, Mrs. M. M. Ward, Dr. W. J. Eddy and wife, Mrs. M. M. Moulton, Mrs. McMillian, J. N. Ballard, Mrs. A. J. Gregory, Miss Ione Gregory, Col. James Felter, Mrs. Margaret Elliott, Josie E. Cale, Rev. W. J. Boon and wife, L. H. Turner, C. Turner, Mrs. Jane M. Ricketts, Chas. L. Smith, J. A. Patton and wife, Joshua Runkel and wife, H. C. Robertson, John W. Yantis and wife, A Friend, W. J. Snyder, Mrs. C. J. Catherwood, Dr. T. L. Catherwood, Mrs. Laura Gallagher, Wm. E. Thomas, Mrs. M. Basye, Mrs. Eliza T. Hollway, Joseph Smith, A Stranger, Miss Nora Christman, Mrs. Agnes Gould, Jesse I. Barker and wife, J. H. White and wife, J. A. McElroy, Mr. and Mrs. N. H. French and daughter, Sol Yantis, W. Bland, G. P. Lawrence, Judge J. H. Dawdy, J. S. Kelly, John T. Killam and wife, H. C. Carpenter and wife, Capt. D. H. Harts, J. W. Rhodes, C. W. Wolf, J. A. Andes, George Story, Samuel Yantis, Dr. J. R.Young, Isaac Longenbach, H. W. Wright, J. F. Christman, J. S. Tilley, F. M. Perryman, W. E. Killam, Henry Funk and wife, Elder John Ellis and wife, Western Unitarian Conference, Rev. Samuel J. Barrows, Ex-Gov. John P. St. John and wife, J. W. Reed, Wm. J. Homrighous, L. W. Post, Mrs. E. L. Stewardson and daughter, R. N. Stewardson and wife, David Torrey and wife, Miss Jane F. Dow, Mrs. Polly Fortner, John S. Sargent and wife, Rev. J. L. Jones, Rev. Dr. John Cordner, Miss Elizabeth P. Channing, L. N. Douthit, W. F. Douthit, Dr. G. W. Phillips and wife, Mrs. Martha Herring, James Ellis, Nelson Neil, Elgin H. Martin, Mrs. L. S. Baldwin, Mrs. Messer, Will C. Levere, Mrs. Clara C. Hoffman, Michael Snyder, Sr. and wife, Miss E. Abbie Thomas, Prof. Thomas Metcalf, Volney Willett, Prof. Geo. L. Cary, Rev. John R. Effinger, J. C. Dole, J. P. Westbay, Mrs. Clara F. Gould, Wm. Neil, Miss Alice Reed, Mrs. A. E. Steverns, Rev. H. D. Stevens, Mrs. G. H. Read, Mrs. H. N. Walden, A Friend, Mrs. Herron, Mrs. Mary Smith, B. M. Davis, Mrs. Sarah E. V. Emery, Dr. W. G. Wilson, Miss Alice Smith, Mrs. Rowena D. Hughes, Rev. M. A. Cox and wife, M. Rowdybush, Rev. John H. Heywood, Mrs. James F. Drummond, Rev. W. C. Gannett, Aaron Lovell, W. T. Campbell, Mrs. Maria H. Le Row, Rev. George Herbert Hosmer, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Stewardson, Sr., and family, J. B. Reeve and wife, Mrs. Henry C. Noble, Mrs. Ranlett, George B. Hill and wife, Rev. A. P. Putnam, D. D., Rev. W. J. Frazer and wife, Mrs. J. G. Cochran, Mrs. Mattie Huffer , Miss Annie Colt, Mrs. H. S. Mouser, Richard C. Humphreys, Geo. H. Ellis, Thomas Gaffield, Wm. Roland, Elder W. H. Boles, Walter S. Carpenter, Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Pinney. |
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| The following are some of the letters: FROM THE WESTERN UNITARIAN CONFERENCE. Chicago, Ill., Nov. 13, 1891. Mrs. J. G. Cochran, Dear Madam:—At the last meeting of our board of directors I was instructed to forward to you my check for $25 to apply on the J. L. Douthit fund. We hope you are meeting with good success in aiding an an honest man and faithful worker, for our cause. Kindly acknowledge receipt and oblige. Yours truly, M. Leonard, Treas. FROM COL. D. C. SMITH. Normal, Ill., Nov. 11, 1891. Dear Mrs. Cochran:—I am just in receipt of your letter of the 9th, inclosing an invita- tion to myself and wife to the Silver Dollar Surprise to be tendered my life long friend the noble Christian man and minister, Jasper L. Douthit. Some Heavenly Spirit must have put it into the mind and heart of yourself, or some other philanthropist, to start the good work you have in hand of removing the mortgage now on Jasper’s home. I am glad that I am numbered among his friends and am permitted to put in my mite, which you tell me will make up the sum needed. I wish it were possible for myself and my wife to accept the invitation you send us. But we have engagement that takes us from home tonight and will hold us until after the date fixed for the Surprise. Be kind enough to convey to Jasper and his good wife our heart felt congratu- lations, and assure them of our affectionate regard. May God bless them. Inclosed find my check for $50. Sincerely your friend, D. C. Smith FROM MRS. JOHN P. ST. JOHN. Olathe, Kan, Nov. 11, 1891. Dear Mrs. Gougar and Mrs. Cochran:—Because of my husband’s absence. I have the pleasure of replying to your kind invitation for Nov. 14. We deem it a favor to have the opportunity of participating in this occasion and wish it was possible for us to be present and extended our congratulations in person to our esteemed and honored friends Mr. and Mrs. Douthit. With kind regards, very sincerely, Your friend, Mrs. J. P. St. John FROM THE EDITOR OF THE “UNITARIAN.” Ann Arbor, Mich., Nov. 11, 1891. My Dear Brother and Sister:—I wish I could be with you at the “good time.” Oh, that “wishes were horses”—or rather flying machines, such as they tell us we are all going to have one of these days! then you may be sure I would come. I am glad others can be there, if I cannot; glad that the “Silver Dollar Surprise” is to be given; glad for the words of appreciation and affection that I know will be so abundantly spoken there; glad you both deserve them all so well; glad for all the noble work for so many good causes that the kind Heavenly Father has helped you both to do, through all these many years; glad for all that you are still going to do, in the years (may God make them many!) that are yet to come; glad for your noble children; glad for the great host of friends at home and abroad that love you; glad for the blessed gospel of hope na d helpfulness, and faith in God and man, and temperance, and parity and all that is Christlike that you preach and live; glad for the anticipation of meeting you both many times more in this good world, and then at last in our Father’s other and still better home that “eye hath not seen.” I can only say God bless you both! God bless your home, your church, your brave temperance work, your beautiful work among the children and young people; your loving work for the poor, the unfortunate, the sinful, the sorrowing. And now accept, dear friends, these few bright silver dollars, and other sublunary trifles, which a few of us are so glad to put into your hands, and please amuse yourselves by throwing them at your grocer, or your butcher, or at the head of that dreadful man who dares hold a mortgage on your house, or in any other way that will make you happy. May the silver of the dollars do a little to keep the silver out of your hair. May the music they make in your pockets make your steps lighter, and charm away the evil spirit of care and anxiety from your hearts. May the rare experience of having a dollar or two ahead, make you laugh and laugh, until to everybody’s surprise, you being (Brother Douthit I mean) to grow round—round like the dollars!—ha! ha! I can’t come, but I throw my dollar at you; and my wife adds hers; and my good mother hers; and each of the children theirs! Catch them! Affectionately, your brother, J. T. Sunderland. FROM THE HON. VOLNEY WILLET. Mason, Nov. 12, 1891. Mesdames Gougar and Cochran:—I regret exceedingly my inability to be there in person; by my best wishes go with this little offering. God bless the brave and unselfish man and woman in the prayer of VOLNEY WILLETT. FROM PROF. METCALF OF THE ILLINOIS STATE NORMAL SCHOOL Normal, Ill, Nov. 11, 1891. Helen M. Gougar: Dear Madam:—I gladly yield to the suggestion of your committee, and here with enclose my offering in grateful appreciation of the Rev. Mr. Douthit’s services to his own neighborhood and to a large circle of readers. THOMAS METCALF. FROM REV. BROOKE HERFORD. Wayland, Mass., Oct. 20, 1891. Dear Mrs. Cochran:—Thank you for reminding me of the mortgage business. Enclosed please find $100 exchange to your order, contribution from my church. Ever yours, Brooke Herford. FROM THE PRESIDENT OF MEADVILLE THEOLOGICAL SCHOOL. Meadville, Pa., Nov. 11, 1891. Mrs. Helen M. Gougar: Dear Madam:—I am glad to enclose a small contribution to the proposed testimonial to my excellent and honored friend, Mr. Douthit, whose untiring devotion to his work for humanity deserves most grateful recognition. Sincerely yours, Geo. L. Cary. FROM REV. A. P. PUTNAM, D. D. Concord, Mass., Oct. 11, 1891. My Dear Mrs. Cochran:—I doubt not that you will have all the money well in hand and make complete the work. That is the way ladies do such things, with energy, tact, skill and thoroughness. As a settled minister, I always counted on the best possible success for any good undertaking if I only had ladies on my committees! The world is more and more finding out this secret of the common welfare. I am glad, exceedingly glad, that my “Unitarian Oberlin” has such helpers of this joy—that this Paul among you has had such women to labor with him in the Gospel. Give him my hearty love and blessing. I wish I could be there when you take the burden from him, as you bid him be of good heart, and give him be of good heart, and give him new strength for his heroic service for humanity. Will you please to acknowledge the enclosed check of $100 to the generous donor at Brooklyn, and oblige, Yours sincerely, A. P. Putnam FROM COL. JAMES FELTER Springfield, Ill., Nov. 14, 1891. J. T. Killam: Dear Sirs:—I am in receipt of your invitation to the Douthit Silver Dollar surprise. I will be there. Enclosed find one dollar. I never in my life parted with a dollar that gave me such feeling of pleasure. Respt. yours, Col. Jas. Felter FROM THE SECRETARY AND TREASURER OF THE HYDRAULIC-PRESS BRICK COMPANY, ST. LOUIS, MO. Enclosing check for a liberal sum, Mr. Henry W. Eliot writes as follows: Odd Fellow’s Building, St. Louis, Oct. 27 Mrs. Josephine G. Cochran: Dear Madam:—Please let me know when you have all the amounts pledged collected, how much you are still lacking? In short, I do not want your project to fail because the last few dollars are not in sight. Yours truly, H. W. Eliot FROM REV. JENK L.L. JONES, EDITOR OF “UNITY.” Chicago, Ill., Nov. 13, 1891. Dear Mrs. Cochran:—I enclose my mite for the “Surprise.” I assure you I have but the kindliest feelings for Brother DOuthit and his wife and admiration for his works. We are working in common lines I think and the problems of thought are the problems of Christianity. Wishing you all success, I am truly yours, Jenkin Lloyd Jones FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT OF PRESS DEPARTMENT, ILLINOIS W. C. T. U. To Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Douthit:— Editor of our Best WOrds, and Press. Sup’t 17 Dist. W. C. T. U.—Our good friend Mrs. Gougar is always thinking of “some nice thing to do,” and hence she has sent me word about a “Surprise” down in the Prohibition head quarters of Shelbyville and that corner of Illinois to which I hasten to respond. First, I send regrets that I am not able to be present bodily as well as in spirit. Second, I send congratulations that Shelbyville, and 17th District, and Illinois, and the Nation, and the World have so valiant a champaign “for the cause that needs assistance” as if found in the editor of Our Best Words. May these best words of Our Best Words never grow less! I am glad to pay a most hearty tribute of appreciation to one who has bravely, self-denyingly and persistently stood for “home interests” breasting the opposition of a high license majority when it cost something to “stand and having done all to stand.” Lastly, I send congratulations that This editor stood not alone, when it could be said that the superintendent of Press Department of District W. C. T. U. was his able co-adjutor and more than that his own “better half.” My good wishes follow all your good work. May the memory of this pleasant “Surprise” be as a “silver” lining when clouds are about your pathway and, “some sweet day” in the “golden” future not far away, we hope, we may have a glorious rejoicing together over victory for a righteous cause achieved for humanity because some dared to stand by their best and highest convictions and “counted not their lives dear unto themselves.” God bless and keep you in His own way, and give you to see of the fruit of your labor, is the sincere wish of Your Friend, Mrs. G. H. Read. FROM MRS. ADA H. KEPLEY Effingham, Ill., Oct. 12, ‘91. Dear Mrs. Cochran:—Enclosed please find check for $15 for Brother Douthit's use in lifting the mortgage from his home. My husband and I send our love to these dear people who have made such a noble fight for all good things in Illinois and we send a cordial greeting to all who come together at the day of the lifting of the debt. Yours Truly, Ada H. Kepley. FROM REV. JOHN H. HEYWOOD Louisville, Ky., Nov. 13, ‘91. My Dear Mrs. Cochran:—I enclose for the “Surprise” and also a check towards removing the mortgage burden from our dear Brother’s house and heart. I wish I could send more. With hearty thanks for all you are doing for our noble brother, I am, with great respect, very truly yours. John H. Heywood. FROM HON. JOHN S. SARGENT AND WIFE. Hutton, Ill., Nov. 11, 1891. Helen M. Gougar and Josephine G. Cochran Dear Madam:—We gladly send our tribute in testimony of the self sacrificing devotion to the up lifting of humanity of our noble brother and sister Rev. J. L. Douthit and Mrs. Douthit. Respectfully, John S. Sargent Anna Sargent FROM THE EDITOR OF THE “CHRISTIAN REGISTER” Boston, Mass., Nov. 14, 1891 My Dear Mrs. Cochran:— I wish the amount were larger, but it will serve nearly to pay the interest on the mortgage, and I trust you have raised enough to meet the principal. If there is any deficit after the returns are all in, please advise me. Let what I now send go to him as a contribution of friends, among whom I am glad to subscribe myself. I admire Mr. Douthit’s courage, earnestness, and self sacrifice. Cordially yours, S. J. Barrows In making response Mrs. Haskell said. Alton, Ill, Aug., 21, 1891 Dear Mrs. Cochran:— Nothing would contribute more to my happiness than to relieve Mr. and Mrs. Douthit from any embarrassment or trouble whatever. I think you for remembering me and giving me an opportunity of helping to make up the necessary amount. Respectfully yours, Lucy A. Haskell FROM CHAIRMAN KILLAM AND WIFE November 11, 1891 We tender to you this our offering with love and in appreciation of our devoted and untiring efforts to do good. Many years will have passed ere the last sheaves of golden grain sown by your hands shall be garnered in. Then will the reapers say, so surely it was good seed. Our desire is that you may live to see good results spring rom your works. Renovate animos. (Renew your courage.) Respectfully Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Killam FROM MRS. DR. AND ELDER ELLIS Yellow Springs, O., Nov. 12, 1891. Dear Friends:—What pleasure it would give us to be at your “surprise,” next Saturday, 14th. We enclose our glad offering. God bless you at this gathering. Bless you in your work or the world in saving souls from sin here and death hereafter, is our earnest prayer, C. D. Ellis, M.D. Eld. John Ellis. FROM REV. H. D. STEVENS. Alton, Ill., Nov. 11, 1891. Dear Mrs. Cochran:— Remember me kindly to Mr. and Mrs. Douthit—pioneer workers for all good things in Shelby county and the world and we trust by this concerted action that the parsonage will become theirs in fact as well as name. Very sincerely, H. D. Stevens Mrs. H. S. MOUSER SENDS GREETINGS FROM DAKOTA. Hitchcook, S. Dakota. Nov. 13, 1891. My Dear Mrs. Cochran:— I herewith enclose my part for the surprise. Give my very kindest regards to Mr. and Mrs. Douthit and tell them that this is only a slight token of my appreciation of their devoted labor in the temperance reform and the grand good work they are doing in Shelbyville. My husband, I know, would join me in the surprise if he were here, but he is in San Diego, Cal., visiting his brother. Please tell Jasper that I had a delightful visit with Mr. and Mrs. Jerome at Sioux City. My kind regards to you Mrs. Cochran and all enquiring friends. Respectfully, Mrs. H. S. Mouser. FROM J. P. WESTBAY, PRESIDENT OF BANK OF MONETT, MO. Monett, Mo., Nov. 11, 1891. Mrs. Josephine G. Cochran: Dear Madam:—I am in receipt of the invitation to participate in the “Surprise” to be tendered to Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Douthit and, in response, send herewith enclosed draft, as my offering. I can assure you it affords me much pleasure to be considered among the number that contribute to this good and deserving man, and our prayer is, that he may be spared many days to work in the great and noble cause, for “God, Home and Native Land.” I hope all will hold him up and urge him on, as I am very sure he is right and his efforts will eventually be crowned with success. Respectfully yours, J. P. Wentray. FROM THE POSTMASTER OF SHELBYVILLE. Shelbyville, Nov. 14, 1891. My Dear Bro. Douthit:— Because I do not always see things just as you do is no good reason why I should not give some expression of appreciation of what you have done and are doing that I can approve and to wish you God speed on the same or a better line in the future. I certainly agree with you that the liquor traffic is the giant evil of the age, and I wish to say that whatever tends in any degree to lessen or prohibit the evil has my hearty endorsement and earnest sympathy. I believe you are honest and conscientious in your efforts to do this, and hoping that you may live to give the evil many effective blows, and that your good wife may be allowed to remain to sustain and strengthen you in your good purposes. I remain as ever, Your friend, Elgin H. Martin. Please accept this slight token of my esteem—this mite that I wish could be larger. E. H. M. FROM A FORMER PRESBYTERIAN PASTOR AND WIFE OF SHELBYVILLE. Pastor’s Study, First Presbyterian Church. Paris, Ill., Nov. 16, 1891. Dear Bro. Douthit: Will you and your excellent wife accept from me and mine our little token of appreciation? We meant it for the party, but overlooked the date. Wishing you many years of continued usefulness and happiness and confident that future souls shall rise up and call you blessed, we remain, Yours very truly, W. J. Frazee L. M. Frazee FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE MISSOURI W. C. T. U. 171 Tremont St., Boston, Mass., Nov. 10, ‘91 My Dear Friends:—I want to send my warm, hearty congratulations to the occasion that calls you together on the evening of Nov. 14. I wish I could be present. Mrs. Gougar has told me al about it, and through her I have become partaker, to a small extent, with your great army of friends in this blessed project. I am so glad that you may roll off your heavy burden. FOr years I have been crushed under just such a burden and can fully sympathize. May the Lord graciously give you length of days and abundance of peace, and make you a power in the earth for truth and righteousness, is my heartfelt prayer! Most sincerely yours, Clara C. Hoffman. FROM MISS C. P. CHANNING AND SISTER. Milton, Mass., Nov. 12, 1891. Dear Mrs. Cochran:— Please find enclosed from my sister and myself as a tribute of respect to Mr. and Mrs. Douthit’s faithful work in the Christian ministry and in Temperance work. I wish I could have done more to show my appreciation. Sincerely Yours, Elizabeth P. Channing FROM THE AUTHORESS OF “THE SEVEN FINANCIAL CONSPIRACIES” Lansing, Mich., Nov. 12, 1891 Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Douthit and Family.—Dear friends:—I am very happy to contribute to the surprise that is in store for you, but trust I may [be] excused from complying with request of committee to enclose silver dollar. I have heard Hon. John Sherman and Gov. McKinley stoutly assert that the silver dollar is a “dishonest dollar” “a short dollar” “a cheap dollar, etc.” but within ten minutes after making these assertions each declared that “all our money is now as good as gold, that one dollar is equally as good as another.” The people of Ohio seemed to enjoy these contradictory statements and, as evidence of their appreciation of the skill with which these gentlemen confuse and confound the people, sent Mr. McKinley in the gubernatorial chair, and doubtless will return the Hon. John to the U. S. Senate. Now since it is time that “all our money is as good as gold” and realizing your appreciation of the spiritual above the material, that the fiat of the government is the great al-power in the creation of money therefore I send you a genuine flat dollar knowing it will afford you as much material happiness as a genuine gold or silver dollar and will contribute even more to your spiritual enjoyment since you realize that its existence adds nothing to the burden of an oppressed people. Mr. Emery joins in good wishes to you and yours. Yours in Christian faith and fortitude, Sarah E. V. Emery. FROM REV. F. L. HOSMER, PASTOR OF THE UNITARIAN CHURCH, CLEVELAND OHIO Cleveland, O., Aug. 24, 1891. Mrs. Josephine G. COchran: Dear Madam:—I have known Mr. Douthit ever since I came west though of late years I have not met him so often as I should be glad to, but I know of his work and his devotion in it. I am glad myself to contribute my mite to so good an end. With interest in your progress, and with the hope that very soon Mr. Douthit may have this proof, of the regard in which he is held by us all. I am Sincerely Yours, F. L. Hosmer. FROM DR. W. J. EDDY AND WIFE. Shelbyville, Ill., Nov. 14, 1891. Rev. J. L. and Mrs. Douthit: Please accept our best wishes for the continuance of your useful careers. May you live to se grand results from your excellent labors, which are appreciated by all who know of you. Sincerely yours, W. J. and Mrs. Eddy. FROM ELDER BOLES. Cotton Hill, Ill., Nov. 14, 1891. Dear Bro. and Sister Douthit:— I and Uncle Walt. Carpenter will send our greeting of dollars and words. Would like to have been there. May the Lord continue bless both of you. This is a grand blessing from our God. I know you will so regard it. Mrs. G. is a grand woman indeed. Your bro., W. H. Boles. FROM MISS ALICE REED, A FORMER EMPLOYEE IN THIS OFFICE. St. Charles, Mo., Nov. 11, 1891. Dear Mrs. Cochran:— I am truly sorry I cannot be present, but I am happy to send a dollar to two such worthy people as Mr. and Mrs. Douthit. Affectionately, Alice Reed FROM THE AUTHOR OF “BLESSED BE DRUDGERY” AND UNITARIAN PASTOR AT ROCHESTER, N.Y. Wyoming, Wyoming CO., N. Y., August 8, 1891. My Dear Mrs. Cochran:— I am glad you are about this business, and glad you wrote me. We all love and honor Douthit, and ought to look out for one who so looks out for others. I enclose you $50 to begin with. Yours truly, W. C. Gannett. (Later on Mr. Gannett offered to help more if needed.) FROM HON. D. H. HARTS, PROHIBITION CANDIDATE FOR GOVERNOR OF ILLINOIS IN 1888. Lincoln, Ill., Nov. 1891. My Dear Killam:—Please find enclosed check for $20. Would be glad to send more but have lately lost $25,000 by fire. Brother Douthit deserves it. I regret very much that I cannot be at the surprise. Give Brother and Sister Douthit my love. Yours for the good cause, D. H. Harts FROM MR. GEO. B. HILL AND WIFE. Some aged Presbyterian neighbors who are always ready to join in kindly offices to others were not able to be present at the reception but they sent in their contribution later, with these rhymes. The needed rain came pouring down
And hindered these dollars from getting around. Now here they are with our good will, May many more your pockets fill! May your zeal for temperance be blessed ‘Till Shelby’s citizens all have rest, ‘Till all the poor are clothed and fed And earn, not rum, but daily bread. You’ve worked for homes these years so true, Now we’ll help save a roof for you; Let all rejoice with you who will, We do, your friends, G. and E. Hill. Hon. S. W. MOULTON MAKES A CHRISTMAS GIFT OF $250 Shelbyville, Ill., Dec. 25, 1888. Dear Mr. Douthit:—Under cover I send you deed for my interest in the dwelling house and premises, now occupied by you, as a Christmas present, and as a slight token of my esteem for your past good work among our people. Your influence has always been for the right. You have been outspoken, fearless, aggressive for the promotion of the great social and moral reforms of the day. We all have the highest respect for a man who has the courage of his convictions. Wishing you and your household a merry Christmas with prosperity and happiness, I am, Your friend and ob’t serv’nt, S. W. Moulton. |
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The
Jasper Douthit Project is an independent project not affiliated with or
endorsed by any other entity.
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