Michael Secrist
Michael Secrist's 67th. birthday was celebrated at his residence last Saturday. Most of his children, grandchildren and friends sat down to a sumptuous dinner in honor to this good old father. Mr. Secrist was born in Lancaster Co., Pa., and moved to Ohio in 1834. He settled in Wayne County (OH) but in 1835 walked to Ind. with $100 and bought a piece of land. He sold his possessions four years afterward for $400 and returned to O. Forty years ago he moved on the farm north of Plank's Mill now owned by Henry Secrist, and commenced housekeeping, using blocks of wood as chairs, and without furniture or other convenience that we now enjoy. Before there were churches he annually held meetings at his house and boarded free, as high as sixty persons at times and cared for their horses. He is a devoted advocate of pure Christianity; has given over $1500 to the cause of God, and is now living a life wholly devoted to Christianity. He has eight children, eighteen grandchildren and one great-grandchild, and now has his second wife. Bro. Secrist has stood the test and his reward shall be a crown of life.
From The Richland Star, October 10, 1878