Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1894-12-27
MOVING TO TOWN.

iniirmlLles incident thereto, that the
manual labor necessary on Il farm Is
Iar Ill excess OF their failing strength,
anu work that was at one time little
more than play has become tiresome,
and the rest AT night fails to renew the
strength and increase the yigor as
formerly. Farmers thus situated and
" ho have secured competence, are
often advised TO take life easy and i'll
their falling years enjoy the fruits OF
their labor. But this is eiser said than
done, for while All indoient, sluggish
person may enjoy All idle, worthless
Ilfe, the successful farmer, after years
of exertion and incessant activity,
finds no easy matter to suddenly
change his habits OF lite and stand by
while others perform the accustomed
labor.
And this is not to be wondered at,
when the fact is taken into considera-
ton that there is often great difficulty
experienced in having the work per-
formed in a satisfactory manner by
those young Ill years and perhaps in
clined to careless habits. 10 the
farmer who has achieved success by
painstaking work, shiftless methods
particularly annoying, and it becomes
extremely aggravating to be unable
to perform labor and at the same time
be compelled to witness day after day
serious losses-the result of care
lessness or negligence-that might
have been prevented.
TO such farmer selling or renting
the old homestead appears imperative
anh a rnciHnnnn in fnUp Wharn ~
and worry would be unknown, is
looked upon as the only relief from
vexation and anxiety. The farmers
wife, also, has earned a much needed
rest, and longs for the time when the
household shall only comprise the
members of the family. There are
also other reasons assigned for leaving
the farm, among which might be men
toned desire to furnish better educa
tional facilities for the children than
can be found in the country. The
social advantages of IL town are also
particularly attractive to the young
members of n family, especially the
girls, and the church that can be at
tended in all kinds of weather has
many advantages over the uncertain
service in the country.
But admitting that there are some
advantages to be found in towns for
the retired farmer and his family,
whose means are amply sufficient for
all their wants, present and proSpec-
tive, still there are many dangers that
will beset the farmer who abamdOnS
country for town or city life. Accus-
toned to al active life, the enforced
idleneSs in town soon becomes monotO-
nous, and the farmer having rented or
perhaps sold his farm, finds his time
hanging heavily upon him and to Of
ten becomes a prey to class of men
who profit by the misfortnnes of others.
Having myself lived in the capital
city of the state for number of years,
l had excellent opportunities for be-
coming acquainted with large num-
Der of well to do farmers who, like
myself, had "moved to town."
Unfortunately for their own welfare,
the greater part had sold their farms
with the intention of embarking in a
new business, the nature of which they
knew little or nothing. Others still
owned their farms, but were on the
lookout for an opportunity to trade for
city property or some congenial bust
ness, and they had rarely long to wait,
for another class of men were eager to
make their acquaintance and hasten to
accommodate them.
A few instances that came under my
own personal observation will illus
trate how easy it is for a farmer to be
inveigled into disposing of his prop
erty and embarking in new business
and see in short time the savings of
a life time pass away, like dew before
a vernal sun.
An aged farmer, with his wife and
daughters, had moved to the city, hay
ing leased the two farms that he owned
TO his sons. The wife and daughters
enjoyed the change of life, but in a
short time the farmer became restless
and uneasy. In conversation one day
with a party who conducted a feed
store the farmer learned that while the
business was paying we'll the proprie-
tor. on account of the health of his
wife, was compelled to sell and move
to milder climate. But the farmer,
being a careful man, was in no hurry
to embark in the business, although
hay, straw, corn and oats were articles
with which he was perfectly familiar
and could not be deceived as to their
value. Watching closely he saw that
a large cash business was being done,
and the proprietor kindly allowed him
to examine the books, which showed
in what was termed dull time, aver.
age sales of $50 day, and he was in
formed, confidentially of course, that
the net profits were close to 20 pei
cent. After mature elaboration, the
farmer concluded to purchase, and the
stock on hand being small an inven.
tory was soon taken, and the prices
were mutually satisfactory. In addi,
ton to the hay, straw and grain on
hand, there was also office furniture
including stove, desk, safe, scales, de
livery wagon and horse, and boy at
SIS per month who knew the custom.
ers and delivered the feed. A good
sized sum was given for the good will
of the business, and the proprietor
signed a contract not to engage in the
same business in the city for term OF
five years. The lease of the premises
for five years, was also assumed and
although the rent appeared high, the
profits of the business were ample and
the farmer would now have something
to occupy his time and also be able ia
support his family without drawing or
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