The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1878-01-03
The Latest EnOch Arden.

NODAwAY STATION, a point on the
Bluffs Road, about fourteen miles from
St. Joseph, has a real sensation and no
mistake. Living about q mile and
half north of that place is family, the
subject of the sad story about to be re-
lated. For many years James Tracy,
with his wife and two children, there
resided. Peace and quiet reigned in
that household, and the married life of
Mr.. and Mrs. Tracy was all that could
have been asked for That accurssd
thing, drink, which has lowered many
a family to the brink of shame and
degradation, and too often broken up
happy households, was James Tracy's
ruling passion. When sober and at
himself, all was we'll, but the moment
he became overpowered by the excess
sive use of strong drink, he was a per-
feet demon, as it were, and would COM
NIT crimes of which he would repent
when over his spree, but, alas! too
late.
About eight years ago, while on one
of his tantrums, he committed a rob-
berry at Amazonia, for which offense he
was sent to the Penitentiary for two
years. Regaining his liberty at the ex-
piration of his Imprisonment. he re-
solved to drink no more. He only too
well knew his failing and was cogni-
zant of what it was bringing him to.
The habit had become SO strong with
him that he could not resist the temp
tation, and it was not long before he
was sent back to his old quarters for
two years more, for committing rob-
berry at Elwood. Shortly after being
placed in the Penitentiary he killed a
fellow convict, and was given two years
and half more.
Tracy is a marble cutter Oy trade,
and his skill in that line is recognized
by all who know him. When in the
Penitentiary he got up a model piece
of workmanship, which was forwarded
to Philadelphia, and took the premium
at the Centennial. For this he had six
months of his time committed.
Let us now, for while, turn back to
that quiet little household in Andrew
County. What was Mrs. Tracy doing
these long, weary years? Gricved as
she was, and justly incensed, as she
might have been. she remained con
slant and true, and was awaiting Il G
time when her husband might return
to her, and reform and spend the re-
mainder of his days in sobriety and
happiness. Thus she continued to be
until hearing of his last crime. Under
the mistaken apprehension that he was
to be imprisoned for life. she married
again. ....
Last week James Tracy, for the first
time in four years, placed his feet upon
the threshold of his old home. Imag-
inc, if you can, the meeting of the
husband and wife under the circum-
stances; she still ignorant, up to that
time, of the length of his sentence, and
he of her second marriage. Sad and
fearful was the scene. They both took
a sober, thoughtful view of the situa-
ton, and recognizing the fact that
i" what had been done could not be
undone," he told her to live as she had
been and try to forget that he had ever
returned. He made his children sew
eral presents, gave his wife some mon
ey, and took his departure for st. Jo-
seph, telling his wife to give the chill
dren a good education, and if they
wanted anything to write to him.
James Tracy is engaged at work in
St. Joseph, and it is to be hoped, late
as it is, that he has come to his right
senses, ard will hereafter lead q sober
and Industrious life.-St. Joseph NO.
Herald.