Old Settler's Association of Grayson County, Vol. 1. Page: 190 of 322 (Transcription)

Park Dedication Services.

[add: 1899] Arbor Day 22nd Feby [abbr: February] was observed as follos
Prayer by David Elliott chaplain of the association
Speech by Judge Teague < Place of President Woods > who was at home sick.

Speech by Rev. [abbr: Reverend] T. Bell McComb of Van Alstyne.

Speech by Rev. Alderson of Sherman.

Speech by J. P. Loving Sr. [abbr: Senior] as follows -

Old Settlers of Grayson County, Ladies and Gentlemen,
We have assembled today, to celebrate an event, in which every American Citizen whether of native or foreign birth feels a mutual interest.
To celebrate the birght of a man, acknowledged by all the great men of both eastern and western hemispheres, as one of the grandest warriors, purest statesman, and most upright Christian gentleman who ever figured in the World's History. "Washington, The Father of his Country" Ladies and Gentlemen, I am pround to be called an American Citizen, am proud to meet on this occasion, to join wit hthe Old Settlers and friends of Grayson County in honoring the name of George Washington whose good example furnished the young men of our land of love of country, love of home, and love to God is so deeply engraved upon the hearts of every true American citizen, that it will continue to live, and shine forth down the ages with undimmed luster. But friends, as citizens of Texas, we also meet on this Washington's birthday, to celebrate another important event, perhaps the first of the kind in the history of Texas.
We meet as Old Settlers and citizens generally to dedicate this beautiful park owned by the Old Settlers Association of Grayson County. To the memory of Texas Heroes and Pioneers, who poured out [gap: illegible] upon the Altar of Texas, for Texas independence and without this sacrifice we would not have today our beautiful city of Sherman, the capital of Grayson County, the city of shools and churches. The Athens of Texas. We could not have our