Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1878-02-13
It was always the intention of Mr..

IL was Always the l0teutIOu OI mi.
Strong to pursue the work which he
had planned for his life In the mines
of the west, but his devotion to the
home of his infancy and youth, and
its domestic associations. were 80
great that he was reluctant to remove
to so distant q field of labor, so long
as he could be profitably engaged
without disturbing the ties and af-
fections which bound him with such
devotion to the scenes which had
given so much pleasure to his earlier
years.
Deeming a practical acquaintance
with civil engineering, especially 80
far as relates to the location and
construction of railroads, valuable
accessory to his profession, as mill
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 1873, Gov. Washburn,
upon the recommendation of the
late DR.. I. A. Lapham, then chief
geologist, commissioned Mr.. Strong
as assistant state geologist. During
the years 1873 and 1874 he was en-
gagged chiefly in the examination of
the lead region. In 1875 he extend
ed his work, adjacent to the Missis-
sippi, as far north asTrempealeanCo.
The year 1876 was chiefly devoted
to the Copper-bearing series in the
northwestern part Of the State
The history of Mr.. Gtrong's work
during tho past year, and of its CAL
amitous close has already been given
on previous page. He fell in the
! midst of his work, in It's active pros
, ecution. His last notes were re-
corded but a 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 formation
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. He fell pushing up
the stream-in fact and in symbol
not floating down it. lie stood ut
the proac, pressing onward and mp
ward, with duty for his motive and
truth for his aim.
OF his investigations in connec-
ton with the survey, need not
speak. "Let his works praise him.
In character he 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 stood
as q bar alike to the alterations Of
mental confusion, the etfervesence Of
merely emotional enthusiasm, and
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, aud
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 bis part.
Candor and sincerity were emf
nent traits of his character, and
honesty of expression marked alike
his life and his language. His in
tegrity was absolutely above ques-
ton. No bond but his honor was
requisite for the security of what
ever trust was reposed in him. Ia
attestation of his attractive personal
traits, he enjoyed the warm friend
ship of his associates, and, in an
unusual degree, the esteem of the
community in which he was 50 we'll
| known.
In harmony with his whole ma
ture, Mr.. Strongs religious views
were of the practical rather than
the emotional type, ConScientious-
ness in the tultillment of every