Holmes County farmer. [volume] (Millersburg, Ohio) 1857-1926, 1862-09-18
TmErARmER,s DAUGHTER
BY 1SLRY JOHNSON.

, r"'VP7 Oh"Hu, anu, aS ihe pedestrians
feel its sting, they wrap their garment,
around them still closer, to protect then
from the elements Though all is desc
late without, yet to some within there arr
sources of pleasure, aud such is the cas-,
with old farmer Hardy, as he turns from
the cherries scene, and gazes upon tn,
comforts Of his own home. a large fir
is burning in the old chimney place
whose glare lights up the faces Of tn,
portraits hanging upon the walls, ant
gives n glow TO the ancient furniture il
the room.
Farmer Hardy is man well to do in
the world. Providence has blessed hi,
crops. and his Golfers are well filed will
gold but yet his heart is closed to tho
appeals of the poor lie is blessed with
a lovely danghter--his only ehild--in
whom is centercd the whole of his aifec-
tione.
She is indeed beautiful, and as she sits
there in the old chamber. by the side Of
the roaring fire one might fancy that she
was an "angel oflight" wandering among
the scenes OF earth. Her heart is always
open to the sufferings of the needy, and
her hands always ready 20 assist their
wants and there is not one within range
of the oil farm house, but speaks the
praise Of Amelia Hardy.
The old farmer is gazing upon her
graceful form with feelings Of delight, as
she sits by his side sewing, and, as he
casts a momentary glance at the FROST
clustered window panes, he rubs his
hands, as il exulting in his comforts and
exclaims:
"Tis bitter cold, my child"
"Yes, indeed" replied the daughter
"but we feel it not"
"No, thank God lie has given ms
all the comforts of life"
"Father," said the young girl, chow
miserable must be those who. lave no
home, no fire, no friends"
The old man was about to reply per-
haps to give vent to some words of mere
commisseraton, but at that time a shad
ow passed the window, and knock was
shortly heard at the door. The latter
being opened, man clothed in rags en-
cred.
Misery was stamped upon every feature
Of his face, and poverty could be seen in
every flute. of his tattered garments
What showed its ghostly form his dim
and lustreess eyes. Starvation and its
train of horrors were plainly perceptable
in his feeble steps, emaciated form, and
trembling voice.
If there was one thing that farmer
Hardy detcsted above all others, it was
to be annoyed by applications for assis-
tancc, it matered not whether the sup
plant were worthy or not.
| The new conner shivered with the cold,
for his clothing was too thin to protect
him from the icy wind, and he gazed up
on the fire with feelings OF bitterness, for
it recalled to him the destitution of his
own home. He turned to the old farmer,
who was leaning back in cushioned
chair, and in a tone Of agony thus accos-
ted him.
"Could vou assist poor man? | am
out of work, sir. l am not accustomed
to beg, but sickness and want have driv
en- me to it,"
Il have nothing for YOU" said the far
iItl uu'i At lbc SAINT lltlC Stll up lHc
blazing fire before him.
"lf it is. only triae," persisted the
man humbly, my family are starving.
| can get no work, and without relief we
must die of hunger"
The heart of Amelia was moved to
compassion at the poor mans complaint,
and she regretted the cold refusal of her
fothar Diuipn eba Q ala
Poor man | think. father, l have
some small things which might be Of SER
vice to him !" and she was about to go
in search of them, when the old man ex-
claimed
"Silence, girl Be off, you vagabond
I never encourage beggars.'
81 am no beggar, sir, said the shiv-
ering visitor. II am not able to go to
work now, bnt when spring sets in ] shall
obtain it, and until that time must have
aid or perish %
Leave my house begone!' p was the
reply. ..
The poor man departed with sorrow
in his heart, to find kinder soul than
that of farmer Hardy.
Father" said the daughter, after he
had gone, eve have plenty, anl why not
assist the poor? That man is worthy
of assistance, and we might have aided
him and never msssd it."
81 will have no beggars encouraged at
my house." was farmer Hardy's rejoinder.
"1f Jones is in want let him apply to the
trustees of the aims house."
Amelia did not answer. Her thoughts
were wandering to the desolate home of
the poor man, and her mind was engaged
in forming plans for his relief.
Henry Jones was i'll fitted for the trade
of beggar, and the pressing wants of his
family alone urged him on. Leaving far
mer Hardy's he once more braved scorn
and contempt; but all in vain. Weary
and worn, he at last turned his steps
homeward. The midnight tempest of
les pair was raging in his soul and as he
thought of his starving wife and children,
lears Of bitter Of agoy coursed down his
cheeks.
Amelia Hardy. in the meantime was
not idle. The old farmer, after mo-
nent's silence, lighted his pipe, and was
soon enveloped in cloud of smoke
While thus engaged, his daughter stole
softly from the room, to put into opera
ion here plans of relief
She had recognized the man who ap-