The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1876-02-29

49, ~ e'AS - - d ~ - ~ - ~ {,
l,dz .x aUuns & .sE93ih isni IS
/ was born in Oneida County, New
York, and was intended by my, father
for . lawyer, but. after delving a year 10
the Office Of an eminent practitioner Of
that county, became dissatisfied, re /
nounced the idea OF acquiring profes-
sion, an6 went to the city Of Nsw York.
where I entered the mercantile house Of
Smith Il Talbot, then, as now, one Of
the wealthiest firms in the importing line
in that city. But promotion in the count
ing-room comes slow; particularly so
while one has but little capital to ad.
vance his interests " OH h<l.'la Pa
While in the employ Of this house, I
met for the frst time niece Of one Of
the members Of the arm-my wife: and
when, two years later, my father died,
and left me small competency, took
it and entered into business for myself,
and, within year, married. From the
date Of our marriage, my life was Z
blessed one indeed !; nothing seemed to
disturb the even tenor Of our lives, for
We drifted along in the current, forgetful
of all else save our own happiness, aud,
I now fear, selfshly needless of the cares
aud troubles OF others. % .i's'aifs
.After ave wears OF unalloyed happi.
ness nv vile became the mother OF 4
beautiful boy; and it seemed a. though
I had nothing more TO desire, no greater
boon to ask for. Then came the finan,
cial crisis OF '57, that caused such wide.
spread disaster aud ruin among the mer.
camille community, and for time i,
seemed impossible that my house would
be able TO Withstand the crash that swept
like e whirlwlnd through Inc country
put ! nnaiiy weatnerea the storm, ana,
oy good management came through y
stronger man ever.
tonortly atter tnis oot cniia was taken
sick, ard it seemed for months as though
we should lose him, de partially recovs
cred, though my physician, alter many
mysterious hints that | can understand
now, told me that, II ! wanted TO see him
grow to years Of maturity, j must leave
New York and dad home upon some
western farm. isaisss bt.a sLoaf.,s aaa
I can't tell you, sir, how / dreaded to
inform my wife what the physician had
said it seemed terrible sacrifice 70 ask
her 20 make; and it was only after
months of hesitation that ] yentured,
one day TO broach the subject to her
To my great joy she saw the necessity
and at once consented to leave New
York, our friends, acqnaintancas, cul
ture, ease and luxury, for the discom-
forts OF pioneer life. g,s;sa..t r 4
In closing nv busiiess in the city, IAN
opportunity occurred which eIabled me
to secure what was termed O fine tract OF
Wild western land; and 10 it we came =
| built this house, and surrounded our
home with such comforts as We could
procure; for here We determined tore
main and rear our chilli who was fast
gFewiug to be !. ushlei boz. .gs.sssss,,s,s,,
When Bsnnx was four years old, be
vas a child that .any parent; might have
been proud OF; a1d when we saw his
ruddy cheeks. and the perfect picture OF
health that be appeared, his mother and
myself felt that no sacrifice We had made
for him was too great. Hs Was the ap-
ple of our ewes. sir. the breath OF our
life. and had grown to be the idol of our
home-our household god, the exclus
sion OF all things else. ,gs.,se.s - o.a.
Three years ago this fall, when Benny
was almost five wears old, one dark No.
yember day I was in, the field where i
had a couple of men at york, and, late
in the afternoon, i CHANGED TO look. up;
and saw the little fellow, accompanied BY
his pet rabbit, coming toward me from
the house. @-
l went'to meet hin, and taking him in
my arms told him 1t was too cold for
him out there, and to run back to his
mother. 1 was busy at the time, and
thought no more OF the matter until just
before dusk, when returned to the
house, and my vile met me At the door
with the inquiry h sal ys'sal
wv neres Benny r. s..s.s. .ls..'Ss
Before the question had falrly lett her
UPS I fsle chlI go over me IKE an agae
Of, cold hands seemed to clutch my
heart, cold lips to whisper In my ear,
"Benny's dead !'a. l turned toward nv
wife, and saw that as she looked into my
face hers grew assy paie, white sue wait
ed for my answer. NY tongue fairly
cleaved to theroof OF my mourn, andi
could not have answered word had had my
life paid the forfeit 2 Atiast she seemed
to read my thoughts, Tor, seixing my arm
with aIgrasp that lcan feefto, this day
she gave such wall Of anguish as NOR
Italear never listened to before, and fell
TO the door insepsible.sabapd tsu Ysel2
l0e I can't tell YOU why Thought so, shnl
from the moment nv wife asked for til,
child I had = .presentimento that Benn,
was dead. It flashed upon me like light
ming. nor conld / pat rid of ii. though i
Iweished me down like an incubus 80
h We were alone in the house at tn,
time. and | picked her M from the .6oo
and carried her to the room, there ,eo,
laid her upon the bed Then, s. sum
lnoned assistance and went cut of door
-. ca -. h.d .o..,. NJ, ,~>lS !.