Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1878-02-15

of the west, but his devotion 70 the
home of his infancy and youth, and
its domestic associations, were so
great that he was reluctant to remove
to so distant field OF labor, so long
as lie could be profitably engaged
without disturbing the ties aud af-
fections which bound him with such
devotion to the scenes which had
given so much pleasure to his earlier
years.
Deeining practical acquaintance
with civil engineering, especially 50
far as relates to the location and
construction Of railroads, valuable
accessory to his profession, as miu-
ing engineer, he became associated
for varying periods, and in different
capacities, in the location of the
Northern Pacific, the Wisconsin
Central and several preliminary lines
in the lead region.
On the inauguration Of the geolog-
ical survey in 1913, Gov. Washburn,
upon the recommendation of the
late DR.. |. a. l4apham, then chief
geologist, commissioned Mr.. Strong
as assistant state geologist. During
the years 1873 and 1874 lie was Gu
gagged chiefly in the examination of
the lead region. In 1878 he extend
ed his work, adjacent to the Missis-
sippi, as far north asTrempealeauCo
The year 1876 was chiefly devoted
to the Copper-bcaling series in the
northwestern part of the State
The history of Mr.. Gtrong's work
during the past year, and of its cal
amitous close has already been given
on previous page. lie fell in the
midst of his work, in Its active pres
ecution. His last notes were re-
corded but few moments before
they were submerged with him be
meath the fatal rapids. The life
passed away, but its latest record
remained. These last recordings are
marked by blanks. The Formations
had been described, but spaces were
left for the location, which was not
then determined These blanks may
be filled, but he has left other blanks
we may not fill. lie fell paSdittg up
tie SttcaAa-in fact and il symbol
not floating down it. lie stood az
tile 1roac, pressing onward and up
ward, with duty for his motive and
truth for his aim.
Of his Investigations in eonnsc-
ton with the survey, ! need not
speak. "Lct his works praise him
Iii character lie was modest and
unassuming, and commanded respect
rather by the merits he could not
conceal than by any that were as
sumed His quiet manner never
revealed the executive strength
which he possessed His quiet self
possession gave steady and effective
direction to his activities, and stooi
as bar alike to the alterations of
mental confusion, the eil,lvesence of
merely emotional enthusiasm, ana
the turbulence of Elusive energy
Judiciousness in the application,
rather than the amount of energy
displayed, characterized his efforts.
His retiring disposition excluded
aggressive personal ambition, and
his self-assertion was limited to that
called forth in the discharge Of his
duties. His personal advancement
was due to inherent merit or the
efforts Of others, rather than to self
zeal or assurance on his part.
Candor and sincerity were emf
nent traits of his character, and
honesty Of expression marked alike
his life and his language. Ills in
tegrity was absolutely above ques-
lion. No bond but his honor was
requisite for the security of what.
ever trust was reposed III him. In
attestation of his attractive personal
traits, he enjoyed the warm friend
ship Of his associates, and, ia an
unusual degree,the esteemof the com
muuity III which he was SO well known
la harmony with his whole ma
ture, Mr.. Strong's religious views
were of the practical rather than
the emotional type. Conscientious
ness in the fulfllmeut of every
relationship Of life was the funda-
mental stratum upon which was
erected the temple of his faith. La
outward recognition Of his persua
sions, he became q member and
regular communicate of the Protest
ant Episcopal Church.
If lie could have chosen the form
Of his departure, and could have 80