Vermont farmer. [volume] (Newport, Orleans County, Vt.) 1870-1877, 1874-07-17
LETTERS FROM THE PEOPLE
Who is Col. John B. Meadf


Your correspondent Sanford" asks fair
question:
Col. Mead is man of middle ago living
near Randolph Center in Orange County on
n farm. His life has not been in Temarki,-
ole degree more eventful than the lives Of
scores of other men in the state, yet the
character developed by that life wins the
confidence of all who know him. Close by
one of the best schools in tho state, he has n
good education to direct his sound judgment.
In the war Of the Rebellion he bore the
hardships and gained some of the honors
pee uliar to the soldiers life. 1t is generally
believed that the regiment 10 which he was
attached had an unusually severe experience
in its service IN the Gulf States and about
the mouth of the Mississippi River, but the
Col. stands well with the "boys in blue"
Being decided temperance man he joined
the most efficient society of the times, the
Good Templars, and often proving his sim
cerity by his constant zeal he was promoted
to the Office of Grand Worthy Chief Tenn
plar Of the state OF Vermont, and rs pre-
siding officer in that body, and rs II lecturer
on temperance, is known very generally
through tho state. Ie Is u Christian gentle
man, perhaps it may seem n repetition to eN-
press il in that way, for all Christians should
be lirst-class persons, but some are not pa
ticnt, courteous, and kind-hearted rs is the
Col. lie is farmer loving its duties. prac-
ticing its economies, improving its methods,
and depending upon its results.
lie took n rundown farm and it has con-
stanty improved under his care, the old
barns gave place to one of his own planning
that is us convenient rs any in the state. lie
aims to feed his products to choice colts, cat
tie. sheep. and swine, and if he does not
have the best ho will keep trying.
Here with an amiablo wife and lovely
children is his home. lie has belonged for
years to the Randolph farmers club, and
now in this age of progress has with his
neighbors joined the order of Patrons of Illus
bandry, and is in full sympathy with its prin-
ciples. lie does not adopt them with tho
zeal of new convert but continues his Ia
bors for the advancement and prosperity OF
the farmers. and tins new name that he takes
enables him to grasp by the hand hundreds
of other young farmers who with like edu-
cation and like love TO the vocation have
like him chosen the honorable calling to
which honor neUer comes, y respectable trade
that is not respectable, n life work that pa
rents wish their smart boys to avoid, their
educated girls to shun, and that il is expect
cd will be followed only by the dull, stupid
idiotic, crotchety ones, who have more
Drawn than brain, more averdupoise pounds
than scnsibilitics, more labor than thought
who are easily managed by the proilgatC
and smart ones who periodically return tC
the lab0rers to be made hired servants and
to be covered with the robe, the shoes. the
ring, while they who own all never have 4
kid to make merry with their friends.
That Col. Mead is n farmer is proof enough
to professional mon that he is one that il
willing to be managed and is no leade
among men, and rs one said to me, "Tt
send such man ms Col, Mead to congress
is id outrage"
appeal to you, farmers, to rally this tint
to honor one Of your number, although h,
has not made himself notorious by leading
you VI OppicSSlhB Oous bhoW W Jun oSh
that OCCASIONALLY the great mass OF the people
can choose one of their own craft to repre-
sent them.
1t is shame that lawyers, editors, an'
men of all other crafts should select us on
of their own number and smoothc all IN
past life, his honors, his glory, and say "her
is farmer candidate" They did this will
some of tho candidates for governor of Yer
mont. They arc doing it all over tho M
ton, calling their candidates farmers, OF tn
friends of the farmer. Farmers, who wer
educated at the same schools rs these wir
workers, and proved in every place as quic
to learn, rs sound in Judgment, and as hon
est in intention to do right, is It an outrag
for you to endeavor to show this once tina
you are still citizens and have voice /
choosing your rulers, and choose man tina
honors your calling, knows your wants, AN
will faithfully represent youP
stamford" Is assured that Col. Mead
such man. n. l.. j.