THE WAUPACA REPUBLICAN

May 5, 1899

 

A Bit of History.

 

            Fifty-five years ago Mr. Ward Lent left Ohio and soon after came to Waupaca Falls, now Waupaca.  He owned the place where Charles Churchill now lives and he had a house down on the flat near the spring on the bank of Crystal river.  He married a sister of J. G. Bemis of Lind, and a good many years ago removed to Minnesota and afterward to Woodburn, Oregon, taking with him and bringing up one of Mr. Bemis’ sons, a brother of J. W. Bemis of this city.  Last January the editor of the REPUBLICAN received a letter from his sister, Mrs. J. Hungerford, at Plainwell, Michigan, saying she was caring for a fine old gentleman over 85 years of age by the name of Lent and that he said he had a brother Ward he had not seen for over fifty years; that he went from Ohio to Waupaca Falls many long years ago.  He had heard nothing form him in all that time, and requested that some inquiry be made and perhaps something cold be learned about him.  We consulted the late Dana Dewey who was authority on “old settlers” and found that Ward Lent once lived here but went to Minnesota a good many years ago.  A letter to the P.M. at Owatonna soon learned his whereabouts.  It required only a few days to get the “old boys” to corresponding and we learned from our sister that they were happy over it and later that Ward Lent wrote that if the good Lord would spare both their lives he would see him in May this year.

            A letter from our sister, dated Plainwell, April 28, says:

            “Ward Lent has made good his promise to come from Oregon in May to see his brother.  He arrived this morning.  He came through Waupaca, but was so anxious to see his brother in Michigan he did not stop.  He arrived safely and well.  And such a meeting!  After an absence of fifty-five years!  Separated all of that time, and neither knowing that the other was alive.  The Waupaca REPUBLICAN coming to me was the talisman that set the old gentleman to thinking of his brother and through me and you they now enjoy a reunion before being called hence.”