Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1876-08-11
SOUTH READING.
AMAsA WATKINS.

AMAoA nA1h1Nb'
Mr.. Amasa Watkins of South Read
ing, whose death at the advanced age of
eighty three years, was recently chroni-
cled in the TIMES, was man of some
uncommon traits of character
Mr.. w. had been all his life a tiller
ofthe soil, and it would be difficult to find
another with more passionate love of
farming than he. This attachment to
his vocation amounted to enthusiasm and
continued to the end of his life. His
farming operations were not on large
scale, especially in later years, but his
style Of management was superior. He
used more capital in proportion to the
number of acres cultivated, perhaps,
than any other farmer in Reading. He
delighted to see what crops perfect cul-
ture and heavy manuring could achieve.
The yield of his fields in grass, corn,
wheat and other staple crops was rarely
equalled in the vicinity, either in guam.
tity or quality, His experience in farm
ing is another confirmation of the truth,
that a moderate number of acres well
titled is more profitable than large
farm poorly cultivated.
1t is to be observed, however, that the
policy of Mr. Watkins did not always
look primarily to profits in farming. His
ample means enabled him to please his
fancy frequently where he expected no
pecuniary returns He did everything
in the most thorough and substantial
manner without regard to cost, holding
that to be the most satisfactory for the
time if not the cheapest in the end
His buildings and whole establishment
were always in complete order and re-
pair, and though he never stinted the
expense where comfort and convenience
were concerned, every resource Of the
farm was economical and nothing wasted.
In short he was master of good hus-
bandry, and by slow degrees and un-
tagging industry, out of strictly legiti-
mate farming he accumulated hand
some competency. Being naturally
averse to speculation, he never bought
to sell again at an advance. In farm
animals he wanted only the best. Many
readers will remember his large, hand
some red oxen, Che would have no 9TH
er COLOR of which he usually wintered
at least two yoke, in preparation for the
butcher.
Mr.. Watkins was generous giver to
objects and persons that he considered
worthy. Many laboring man has been
a recipient of his bounty, both in pro-
visions and money, and at the close of
the days labor in his employ, found q
bushel of corn, or wheat or potatoes
awaiting him as a present. Seed corn
for the whole neighborhood it was his
ambition to supply, which he never tired
of giving away. Industrious young
farmers of good habits, struggling hard
to pay for their farms always had his
sympathy and often material aid
The life of Mr. Watkins, though long
was not especially an eventful one. He
was of housekeeping disposition and
habits, attending strictly to his own bust
ness and leaving that of other people
alone. Some would charge him with
lacking public spirit. He was never
seen at caucus, or occupied nook at
the corner grocery. l don't know but
he neglected the town-meeting as well
sometimes. Still, he never, / think,
shirked his share of the public burdens,
or grumbled at taxation. His sphere of
action was his homer
.. Along the cool sequestered vale of life
! He kept the noiseless tenor of his way"
In that sphere OF action he was mod
ell man,-temperate, industrious, sober
and frugal, dispensing good to those
about him, making the earth to blossom
with beauty and with use, happy in the
handsome products which wise and
careful toll had drawn from her bounti-
full bosom.
1t is told of Daniel Webster when he
lay dying at Marshfeld, that he directed
his great oxen to be driven up to his
window so that he might refresh his eyes
once more with their shapely beauty and
smell their healthy breath. If they did
as much for Uncle Amasa in his last
hours, | know he died peaceful and con-
tent.