Celebration at Saviers’
We understand that they had a pleasant and spirited celebration near the residence of Mr. M. Saviers, at the junction of Shawnee, Wyandotte, and Kansas City roads, on the 4th.
The oration was by our townsman S.A. Cobb, Esq., and if his previous effort in the way of public speaking are a proper indication of his style on that occasion, we may judge that he gave them a fine address.
After the oration, the next thing in order was the dinner, which all we have seen who were present, concur in representing as superior in quality and ample in quantity. Then followed short, patriotic, and eloquent speeches by Rev. William Holmes, Rev. Thomas Johnson, and Willard Green Esq., and toasts, and sentiments by Cobb. Holmes and others, all of which passed off in the most agreeable and enthusiastic manner.
After the talking was concluded the young folks adjourned to the dancing floor, which was laid close by the dinner table, in the grove, and those not disciples of Terpsichore, after seeing the beginning of the afterpiece wended their way homework, well pleased with the day’s entertainment.
We understand all the Celebration was got up by the Union Club, an organization which is doing much in that neighborhood, to purify public sentiment and strengthen the loyal cause. The Union men there are entitled to great credit for their efforts in to sustain the Government and show up treason in its true, but odorous proportions.
[Wyandotte Commercial Gazette. July 13, 1861, p. 2.]
Joab Spencer writes of the same occasion:
“I was at a little gathering of citizens July 4th 1861. The meeting was at or near where Turner, Wyandotte Co. now stands. Rev. Thomas Johnson and Col. Johnson were there. When Thomas Johnson was asked to speak, he took occassion to declare himself for the Union He lived up to that declaration till his death.”
[Joab Spencer to Geo. Martin, June 15, 1906, MSS. Dept. K.S.H.S.]