The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-06-19

PROGRESSED HIS DEATH.
A Wealthy New York Farmer Fixes the Date
Of His Death and FuIfills the Prediction.

NYAoK, N Y, June 18-Valley Cottage is a
way station on the West Shore Railroad, mid
way between this place and Rockland Lake. IL
takes it's name from hamlet, and the hamlet
from the farm of John Ryder, who was long the
most prominent man in the place. On the 1lth
instant Mr. Ryder died, and under circumstances
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 Rock
land Lake. He was seventysix years old, and
his ruddy cheek and clear blue eye gave no indi
cation of approaching dissolution. He used to
boast that he had never been i'll day in his life.
Up to few weeks ago he worked his farm, 60
ing out to plow at daylight One day he ro-
turned to the farm house and seated himself In
an arm chair. When asked if he was i'll he re-
piled that he was not, but said, Il have plowed
my last Now, feel that as have passed be-
yond the three score and ten the good Lord al
lowed me, / shall not live to see this harvest.
God, thy will be done.'
His farm work fell into the hands of his hired
men and he mechanically received their reports.
All day he walked up and down the veranda,
his head sunk on his breast, deep in meditation.
u am tired. ha wnnid say when any of the
ncisseoors or his relatives rallied him on his
actions II shall not live long. Soon will tell
you beforehand the day on which shall breathe
my last" On Tuesday, June Q, he called his
family around him and sent servant after the
hands, meanwhile preserving a calm demeanor.
When all had assembled he said. in deep, i'm
, pressive tones, MY friends, my time is drawing
nigh. Ny sands of life have nearly run out But
two days more and shall not be with YOU
have received warning, and it portends death
My friends, leave you with life, hope, clear
of crime and with hope and belief in the infinite
tenderness and mercy of the true and living
God" Turning to farm hand, he said. with
energy Harness up my horse and buggy. Dc
it quickly" When the vehicle was ready, he
sprang in unassisted and drove to the little
urying ground near by, owned by few OF the
old families in the neighborhood. Arrived al
the graveyard, he looked around, and, running
to mound where there was a pile of stakes, he
marked off the space in which he wanted to be
buried.
Driving ghome, he did not spare the horse and
when his house was reached he Immediately dis
patched servant to Nyack for a lawyer who
had done legal business for him before. In the
note he said he wanted to draw up his will. He
also ordered the man to bring an undertaken
back with him. The undertaken came and jok-
ingly measured the old gentleman. "Now give
me your bill, want to pay it now" he said to
the undertaken. The surprised undertaken
obeyed with reluctance and the old gentleman
paid the money down. The lawyer came aftor a
second messenger had been sent for him. The
Will was duly uraWE up, ana aIter tue lnStru-
ment had been signed, giving the property in
even proportions to his Children and grand
children, he invited the lawyer to come to his
funeral, as he was an old friend Of the family,
and also to act as pallbearer The lawyer
laughingly assented to the proposition thinking
it was but whim of his old Client
Mr. Ryder then named the three other men he
wanted to act as pall-bearers. In the lawyers
presence he named all tho other details about
the funeral and made disposition of his personal
effects and mentioned his friends
On the following day Mr.. Byder sat in his old
armchair the veranda most Of the time.
During the following night he got up several
times, and his family heard him walking through
the house. He was in his place in the morning
and appeared to be in his usual health. Towards
noon he called his family around him, saying:
"My friends, i am now going. Good bye all,
and God bless YOU" He then laid back in his
armchair, and gazing tenderly at his family,
gently closed his eyes. His lips moved in
prayer, and once again he opened his eyes and
smiled, and again the eyelids closed and all was
still- Those around him thought he was sleep
ing but when they called him he did not
answer. He was dead Many prominent citi-
zens of Nyack and vicinity vouch for the truth
of the details of the old genteman's demise.
One of Mr. Ryder's sons, about forty six years of
age, is prominent business man in this city.
Mr.. Ryder was buried en- Saturday. all his de.
tails and requests being religiously followed