True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1858-11-03
Keep the Staff in your own Hands

Keep the stan In your own Hands.
There was living at Harlem, an old
man who related the following story Of
himself. He was possessed Of goodly
farm, with servants and every necessary
for his business, and had but one child, a
son, who having married, i. was agreed
that the young couple should live in the
house of the parent, as he was a widow
er Things went exceedingly we'll for
some time, when ,hes on proposed to the
parent that he should make over to hin
his estate. promising to build a new house
and otherwise improve the farm. The
latter, through persuasion, gave him a
deed or gift Of it and everything belong
ing to it. ,-
After few years, as the father grew
old he grew little fretful and dissatisfied,
while the son, thinking he had nothing
more 10 expect from him, forgot his flial
dury, and used his father worse than he
did his servants. The old man was no
longer permitted 10 eat at The same table
with his son and wife, but compelled to
take his meals in the chimney corner,
and be continually otherwise ilI-used by
them. The old man ate his victuaIs dai-
ly from a wooden bowl, which his con
made for him. His grandson saw his
father make this bowl, and set making
just such another. .. s
Being asked by his father what he made
it for, he answered, for you to eat out Of
when you grow as old as grandfather
Although this ought to have turned his
heart, and made him reaec. that as he
dealt by his father, he might expect to be
dealt with by his children when he grew
old, still it had no effect with him, and
the i'll usage was carried 10 such an ex-
tent, that the old man could no longer
bear it, but left the house and went to a
relation and neighbor Of his, declaring
that if his friend could not help him to
get his farm back again. he should be
obliged 10 come and live with him.
His friend answered, that he might
come and live with him, and if he would
follow his directions, ho would help him
get his estate again. Take this bag o.
dollars. carry i! into your room, at your
sons residence, then shut it up well in
your chest, and abou. the time they cal
you down 10 dinner, shut your door and
have all your dollars spread out upon th'
table in the middle of the room. Wher
they call you, make noise with them by
sweeping them into The bag again.
The bait took Immediately. The wifi
peeped through the keyhole and saw th'
dollars spread out on the table, and tolt
il to her husband. When the old mar
came down they insisted on his sitting a
the table with them, and treated him will
uncommon respect. 1g.
The old man related to his friend wha
; he had done, who gave him directions
what be should DO il his son asked tn,
money from him.
After a few days the son discovered tb'
old man very busily engaged in counting
his money, and at the next meal tint
asked what money II was that be wa
then counting.
Only some money had received 70
the discharge of one Of the bonds ha'
standing out. Iexpect more money in
> few days, and / shall be obliged 10 TAX
. Mr.. Ms farm, upon which have
: mortgage, as he is not able to raise .h
, money, and if the farm is sold it will nc
s fetch as much as will discharge the mort
t gage. r.
After few days the son told the fath'
!. he intended to build house on the farm
and would be glad if the father would i
! him have the money.
"Yes, child, all that have is comm
;, to you. | intend giving you Che bon'
and mortgages ] have, but then l think
best,to put It altogether, in q new deed
70 oift. I will gel neighbOr L. 10 Ci