Seventeen old gray haired veterans of the Civil war of 1860-5 gathered together last Sunday morning at the Lebanon Methodist church, the occasion being the annual memorial sermon in honor of departed Confederats. The sermon was delivered by Rev. Tyler Frazier, of Chilhowie, Va., 87 years of age, and long before the appointed hour people from all parts of the county and many outside of the county began to assemble at the church in order that they might secure seats, all eager to hear the great message of the Southland's old warrior orator, knowing that a rare treat was in store for them, and they were not disappointed for no finer discourse as ever been delivered in Lebanon and the event brought together youth, beauty and old age.

Rev. Frazier, famed far and near for eloquence, was never more eloquent in days long gone than on this occasion and notwithstanding the fact that he is weighted with many years, is wonderfully active, witty and certainly none more eloquent. He delivered his soul stirring sermon sitting in his chair and at times evoked laughter and produced tears. He brought to the minds of his attentive listeners incidents of the Civil war some of which were both amusing and pathetic.

Frazier entered the war when a mere lad as a private soldier and shared the hardships and privations with his comrades, often weary, hungry and footsore. He began to preach to the soldiers and his mighty flow of eloquence rand out from rail piles, goods boxes, etc., and has continued throughout the long years of his life. In 1860 he joined the Methodist conference but did not take a charge until the close of the war, his first pastorate being at Tazewell, where he received a salary between $12 and $14 and thought that he was being very well paid and stated also that he was presented with a blue jeans suit of clothes and a pair of boots by his congregation and how he thought himself "some dressed up."

Throughout the long years of this useful and well spent life, many, many is the number who shall see the glory of god thru the ministerial duties of this grand and natural born orator - he was not made so through schools and colleges - he was born.

Despite his eighty-seven years he is yet among us - his work is not done, and prayers will go up to the throne that he may yet be spared that his eloquence may again be heard in Lebanon as on last Sabbath.

The only regretable incident of this perfect day was that the church was filled to utmost capacity and many were turned away.

Since last memorial service a year ago, eleven old soldiers and two widows have answered the last roll call.

Of the twenty-three surviving veterans of the county, the following number were present at the services Sunday:

George W. Williams, aged 88, Lebanon.
J. W. Bausell, Commander, 82, Lebanon.
M. S. Hurt, 87, Lebanon.
Henry Mabe, 84, Lebanon.
J. D. Alexander, 85, Lebanon.
S. P. McCloud, 80, Lebanon.
A. T. Kegley, Moccasin, 81.
L. J. Roman, Honaker, 84.
A. L. Hurt, Honaker, 82.
George Alderson, Bondtown, 83.
A. L. Garrett, Copper Creek, 84.
B. F. Bundy, Belfast Mills, 82.
B. F. Francisco, bolton, 87.
N. S. Dickenson, Castlewood, 82.
J. T. Howard, Honaker, 81.
W. H. Fuller, Barnett, 86.
Lowry Cox, Honaker, 86.