Page:The Granite Monthly Volume 1.djvu/319

 BARNSTEAD REUNION.

��311

��Barnstead is not behind in these re- spects), she glories in her men. No town in the State has produced greater or bet- ter. Her scholars are in all parts of the Union ; her lawyers and judges are prom- inent ; her ministers are the foremost dic- tators of New England orthodoxy ; her politicians are the leaders in politics ; her physicians are noted for their skill ; her merchants are active and worthy; her citizens are honest and industrious, and her public honor is untarnished. You and I feel proud of our nativity, for it is an honor to be one of her sons.

There are many historical facts which I ought and could speak of connected with the individual and public interests of Barnstead, had I time. I am aware that I have already wearied your pa- tience. I have given a running account of some of the public acts in a hurried manner, as condensed as possible, and must leave other points of interest for you to speak of in replying to sentiments prepared for you. I could speak of the characteristic traits of the leading fami- lies, their energy, their devotedness, in- tegrity and honesty in the formation of principles, that have ever marked Barn- stead as one of the most reliable towns in the State. I could speak with pleas-

��ure of its hills and valleys, its mountain sides, its beautiful scenery and noted lo- calities, but you know them all. Many of you have grown up to manhood upon its hillsides and valleys, and looking out upon its scenery, in your mind, you can picture every locality and every running stream. Up from these valleys, down from these mountain sides, off from these hill-tops and sandy plains, noble, earnest and true men have gone out into the world to seek a home and a fortune. They have carried with them the teach- ings of their fathers and mothers, and to- day honor their parentage. Many of them have become notable by their gen- ius, ability and public worth. Many are here to-night. They have met in com- mon with us to show respect and honor to the town thatgave us birth. Dear old town of our youth! as we climb the mountain side of age, may we look back upon the loved spot, and, looking out, view the paradise wherein lie the scenes of our childhood, and as we pass a last, fond, lingering look over the graves of the dear ones lying there, and, turning, enter anew into the conflicts of life, may we, as they, be nobler men and wo- men for having been born in the dear old town of Barnstead.

��■♦♦»■

�� �