Spirit of the age. [volume] (Woodstock, Vt.) 1845-1913, 1885-08-05
FORETOLD HIS DEATH.


FORETOLD HIS DEATH.
The Remarkable Prophecy OF u Hale and
Hearty Old Man.
Valley Cottage, writes 4 Nyack, N,
Y, correspondent 10 tho Cincinnati
Times Star, is q way station on the
West Shore railroad, midway between
this place aud Rockland Lake. 1t takes
its name from n hamlet, and the ham
let from the farm OF John Ryder, who
was long the most prominent man in
the place. On June II, Mr.. Ry-
der died, and under crcumslanccs that
have caused widespread comment
among the villagers. Mr.. Ryder died
after prophesying for three days that
June II would be his last day on earth.
Mr.. Ryder was wealthy farmer and
high official in the Methodist church
at Rockland Lake, lie was 76 years
old, and his ruddy check and clear
blue eyes gave no indication of APP
preaching dissolution. lic used 10
boast that he had never been i'll 4 day
in his life Up TO y few weeks ago lie
worked his farm, going out to pillow at
daylight.
One day he returned to the farm
house and seated himself in an arm
chair. When asked if he was i'll no
replied that he was not, but said: II
have plowed my last; | have sowed my
last. Now, feel that as | have passed
beyond the threescoro and ten the
good Lord allowed me, l shall not live
to see this harvest. Gods will DO
donc.h
His farm work fell into the hands of
hired men, and he mechanically re-
ceived their reports. All day he walked
up and down the veranda, his head
sunk on his breast, deep in meditation.
II am tired" he would say when
any of the neighbors or his relatives
rallied him on his actions. 81 shall
not live long. Soon | will tell you be-
forehand the day which shall be my
last"
On Tuesday, Juno 0, he called his
family around him and sent servant
after the farm-hands, meanwhile pre-
serving q calm demeanor. When all
had assembled he said in deep and i'm
pressive tones:
"My friends, my time is drawing
nigh. My sands OF life have nearly
run out. But two days more and shall
not be with you. have received 4
warning, and it poItonds death. My
friends, | leave you with life, | hope,
clear of crime and with hope and q
belief in the infinite tenderness and
mercy of the true and living God"
Turning to 4 farmland, he said with
surprising energy: Harness up my
horse and buggy. DO it quickly
When the vehicle was ready he sprang
in unaSsiSted and drove to the little
burying-ground near by, owned by II
few of tho old families in the neighbor-
hood. Arriving at tho graveyard he
looked around, and, running to
mound where there was pile of
stakes, he marked off the space in
which he wanted to be buried.
Driving home he did not spare the
horse, and when his house was reached
he Immediately dispatched a servant
to Nyack for lawyer who had done
legal business for him before. In the
note he said he wanted to draw up his
will. lie also ordered the man to bring
On undertaken back with him. The I'M
dertal,er came and jokingly measured
tho old gentleman, Nov give mo
your bill; | want TO pay it now" no
said to the undertaken.
The surprised undertaken obeyed
with reluctance and the old gentleman
paid the money down. The lawyer
came after second messenger had
been sent for him. The will was duly
drawn up, and after the instrument
had been signed, giving the property
in proportion TO his children, he invi-
ted the lawyer to come TO his funeral,
as he was an old friend of the family,
and also act rs pa!l:bearer. The law
yer laughlngly asscnted to the PROPOSE
ton, thinking it WAS but within Of his
old client. Mr.. Ryder then named
three other men he wanted to act rs
pall-bearers. In the lawyers presence
he named all the other details about
the funeral and made disposition of his
personal effects and mentioned his
friends.
On the following day Mr.. Ryder sat
in his old armchair on the verAnda
most of the time. During the night
following he got up several times and
his family heard him walking through
tho house. He was in his usual place
in the morning and appeared to be in
his usual health.
Toward noon he called bis family
around him, saying: my friends,
am going. Good-by all, and God bless
YOU"
He then lay back in his armchair,
and gazing tendcrly ut his family.
gently closed his eyes. His lips moved
in prayer, and once again he opened
his eyes and smiled, and again the eye
lids closed and all was still. Those
around him thought he was sleeping,
but when they called him he did not
answer. He was dead. Many promi-
nent citizens of Nyack and vicinity
vouch for the truth of the details of the
old gentleman demise. One of Mr..
Ryder's sons, who is about 40 years OF
age, is n prominent business man in
this city. Mr.. Ryder was buried Satur-
day, all his desires and requests being
religiously followed.