The following story is one of the many stories written by Dempsey B. Sawyer. Mr. Sawyer wrote some of his stories when he was in his 92nd year. They were passed down to his descendants, one of whom is Mrs. William Simons of Stau8nton, where this was obtained. We thought this would be of interest to people in the Staunton area. (As appeared in the South Central Searcher in April, 1981) Cindy Leonard The Fourth of July is no longer celebrated as it was in the days of my youth. I will try to describe one such celebration. Farmer families from all the neighborhood gathered at Staunton. Just north of town beside the road stood a big old wild cherry tree which was a landmark. There the people gathered to form a procession which was led by a brass band and a flag bearer. This flag bearer and his horse and his dog attracted much attention. He was an old gentleman named William Purdy. The horse had been a cavalry horse in the Civil War. He had belonged to Mr. Purdy's son, Doc, who rode him in the battle of Pea Ridge. Doc was captured and never heard of afterwards. It was supposed that he died in a Confederate Prison. Mr. Purdy was fortunate to recover the horse which was named Dutch, and Dutch lived a life of leisure ever after. Mr. Purdy lived alone except that he had a little black dog for a constant companion. He lived near the home of my cousin Molly Wilder. He ate his meals at her house. The dog had his chair at the table with the family where he sat quietly waiting for a morsel of food to be put in his mouth occasionally by his master. Now the procession got under way with Mr. Purdy leading on old Dutch, carrying a large flag and with the little dog perched behind him on the broad flat back of old Dutch, the horse prancing to the music of the band and the dog barking at everyone who came near. They stole the show. And so the procession was led to a grove where a speaker's platform had been erected. After music by the band, a young lawyer read from the Constitution that all men are born free and equal and all have a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and also that the American Colonies are, and of a right ought to be free and independent states. Then this same young lawyer delivered a spread-eagle Fourth of July oration followed by more band music. Before dismissing the crowd for dinner, the chairman, Mr. Shirley reported to the crowd that President Garfield had been shot and was in critical condition. The old gentleman raised his hands and said "My God what is this country coming to?" When Lincoln was killed this same Garfield, a congressman then, stood before an excited crowd and said "God reigns and the Government at Washington still stands." That was still true when he was killed. Then the ceremonies were adjourned for dinner. Every family had brought plenty of good things to eat and they were spread on the ground in the shade where everyone ate his fill. There was a dance floor where those so inclined could "shake a leg" in square dances. There were other sports such as foot races and tug-of-war for those who wished to show their strength. There was a stand where refreshments were sold and a barrel of free lemonade. On some such occasions prizes were given to winners of stunts such as climbing a greased pole or catching and holding a greased pig. A ten foot pole would be set in the ground and thoroughly greased. A five dollar bill would be placed on top of it for the one who could climb up there and get it. Or one who could catch and hold a greased pig would win five dollars. There were not many winners. And now at evening many went back to town to see the fire-works to be set off as soon as it was dark - then home tired, but satisfied that the glorious Fourth of July had been fittingly celebrated once more. NOTE: President Garfield was shot July 2, 1881 by Charles Guiteau.