Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1885-07-12
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FORETOLD HIS DEATH.
The Remarkable Prophecy of a Hale and
Hearty Old Man.


Valley Cottage, writes Nyack, N.
T., correspondent to the CINCINNATI
1tmeS-Star, is way station on the
West Shore railroad, midway between
this place and ROCkland Lake. 1t takes
its name from a hamlet. and the ham
let from the farm of John Ryder. who
was loug the most prominent man in
der died, and under ercrcumstances that
have caused widespread comment
among the villagers. MIR. Ryder died
after prophesying for three days that
June III would be his last day on earth.
Mr. Ryder was wealthy farmer and
high official in the Methodist church
at Rockland Lake. lie was 16 years
old, and his ruddy cheek and clear
blue eyes gave no indication OF ap-
preaching dissolution. He used 10
boast that he had never been i'll day
IN ms HE. Up TO few weeks ago he
worked his farm, going out to plow at
daylight.
One day he returned to the farm
house and seated himself in an arm
chalr. W hen asked II he was Ill he
replied that he was not, but said: Il
nave plowed my last; have sowed my
last. Now, feel that AS have passed
beyond the threescorc and ten the
good Lord allowed me, | shall not live
to see this harvest. Gods will be
done. u
His farm work fell into the hands OF
hired men, and he mechanically re-
cciYcd their reports, All day he walked
up and down the vcranda, his head
sunk on his breast, deep in meditation
81 am tired, he would say when
any OF the ncighbors or his relatives
rallied him on his actions. Il shall
not live long. Soon | will tell you be-
forchand the day which shall be my
last.
On Tuesday, June 9, he called his
family around him and sent servant
after the farm hands, meanwhile pre-
serving calm dcmeanor When all
had assembled he said in deep and i'm
pressiye 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. l have received 4
warning, and 1t portends death. My
friends, leave you with life, | hope,
clear Of crime aud with hope and a
belief in the infinite tenderness and
mercy of the true and living God
Turning to farmland, he said with
surprising energy: Harness up my
horse and buggy. DO 1t quickly. y
When the vehicle was ready he sprang
in unassisted and drove to the little
burying-ground near by, owned by a
few OF the old families IN the neighbor-
hood. Arriving at the graveyard he
looked around, and, running TO a
mound where there was a pile OF
stakes, he marked OIL 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 servant
TO Nyack Tor a lawyer who had done
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no nuln' n, I.i 'no H'ivi I;;.i uetana aoput
.ne ,uhI' al S. Tnu ina,ae I 'isposi.ion oi his
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