Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1880-07-14
GARFIELD, YOUTH AND. NAN.
The Rev. 7. Brooks in the TROY Times

1he Kew. L. Brooks, in the Troy Times.
Twenty-Five years ago while teacher
in the Seventh ward in this city, footed
it to Poestenkill, and then learned Of the
first advent of two young students from
Williams College, James A. Garfield and
Prof Wilbur who had that Saturday
walked from Williamstown, Garfield hav-
ing heard of church of his faith at
Poestenkill, and hoping to secure an op-
portunity to preach there. I formed an
intimate acquaintance with him admring
his genial, manly and pleasant ways.
Shortly afterwards there being vacancy
in the high school in Troy, and having
an influence with which | could obtin
the place for friend, | led Garfield up
to the top of Mount Olympus, in this
city, and there, lying upon the bare rodSs
for two hours, we re-enacted the scene Of
the temptation in the wilderness, [ being
the Satan in the mimic drama. Garfield
had been preaching at Millville and Poes-
tenkill, and also teaching penmanship al
the same time; and consequently, know
ing his financial needs, | was solicitous tc
place him in good position, and above
pressing financial needs. After listening
to my enumeration of the advantages OF
taking the position vacant in the high
school, he arose, and, with flush of ami
nation and decision, be said: "Brothe
Brooks, this is exceedingly tempting, and
[ express my thanks for all your efforts
but it has been the ambition and struggle
of my life to win an honorable deploma
from some one of your Eastern colleges
and then | can hold it in the lace of the
world and win honor and distinction.
cannot accept the alluring offer"
Twenty-Five years roll round, and in my
journey East to visit the scenes of my boy
hood, | stopped over Sunday, June 6 in
Chicago, Unknown to me friend had
advertised me to preach in one of the
smallest Christian churches in the city
After the sermon | was informed that
General Garfield was one Of my auditors
Friends were anxious to introduce me tc
him, but | said mo | was desirous tc
see if there would be mutual recogni.
ton. Soon | stood looking at him squarely
in the face, until | feared he might thinf
me guilty of impertinence.. | could not
recall single feature twenty-five years
ustl NlOuSul SuSI a Cudll9S III LIS az pCdF
ance. Then said Brother Garfield, [
am glad to meet you again; do you ~
member me?" Looking me over in his
pleasant manner, he replied: Hardly
but there is something familiar about
you" | referred him, without mentio1-
ing my name, to the scene on Mount
Olympus, when he said, eyes, God bIes
you, | remember you well." After d
pleasant conversation, we separated, [
with the thought and firm conviction tha
| the Presidential bee buzzed not bit il
his bonnet that day.
General Garfield is q man Of pr
nounced convictions, and all in TIE
direction of right. He could pas
by the large and deseryedly populg
churches of Chicago and find place f,r
worship in one of the humblest. HIS
character was built on bedrock. 1t wiz
stand the sharpest criticism He is the
admiration of his friends; and he will be
[ am certain, our next, and one Of ou
most honored and successful Presidents