New-York tribune., 1896-11-22
FARRIER'S ARTIFICIAL LEGS.
HE CAN DO ALMOST AS MUCH WITH THEM
AS MANY MEN WITH REAL ONES.

James T. Farrier is probably the most remark
able pedestrian that ever walked on a pair OF ar
tifcial legs. He is willing TO walk against any man
who wears artificial legs for any distance from one
world. And he is confident OF his ability to win.
His dexterity in using his artificial limbs is wonder
full lie never thinks of using cane, crutch or
staff for assistance, do so many who move
about on old fashioned wooden legs; In fact, any
never suspect that he not walking on the legs
that nature gave him. He is tall man, his gait is
natural and he walks with a swinging stride.
Farmer Farrier is now resident OF Chicago, but
until recently he lived on what ne calls "a little
farm of l.500 acres in the Red River Valley in
Northwestern Minnesota. 1t was near the town OF
Crookstown, in Polk County. about 200 miles north
he raised wheat, oats and barley on an extensive
day he caught in blizzard; this tells the whole
story to any one who has ever encountered genu-
B bose Who have never Mad the ex
perence know very little about the nature OF real
Early in February 1898. when the mercury was
ranging low and there was an ominous look in the
sky Yin 5Gs m took Esr 5G S w4 from MS e
his business in those cities, and. after an absence
lay possible. He knew that his wife and chill
cren would be waiting in great anxiety until MS
the bleak prairies after he left the railway station
nearest to his farm but he thought nothing Of this
could walk at a gait that would keep an ordinary
pedestrian trottng beside him.
AN EXPERIENCE IN A BLIZZARD.
II had come within sight of my house. he SAYS,
In IN telling his awful experience before ! began to
Then knew a terrible storm was coming. and |
Of the sky was like lead no wind had been blow
Ing for some time. but now began to feel parti-
ticed for the first time a pale brownish-yellow
haze. or cloud extending many hundred feet above
though it was bitterly cold. Deep lay over
the whole country, and 1t began TO swirl in blind
ing eddes Still didn't think was In any great
danger | felt sure | would be able TO reach home
before the storm became violent. But 1t was not
~ was about seventy rods from my house when
the blizzard struck me with all its fury. 1t seemed
have not been fearful about many things In my
life. but you may well believe that the first grip
which tnat Minnesota blizzard laid upon me struck
terror to my heart. | took one longing. farewell
look At my house the moment before every object
my sgnt, and then made herculean dash 10 reach
II before the fury Of the storm should overcome
was quickly carried out OF my course. | missed
the house, as afterward learned. by about seven
rods Night came on. darkness fell. and was
Of that blizzard At times il would lift me. from
drop me to the ground II night OF despair.
again al ana again would struggle to my feet h and
At length, exhausted. fell upon drift face down
pillow. so that could breathe Then and there
gave up the struggle had a smotherng sensa-
although | knew was slowly freezing to death
Ny last thoughts before lost consciousness were
home. Which ielt must be very near by.
FOUND IN A sNOWDRIFT
The next morning al daybreak they came out
upon the search, and after much weary trailing
found me two miles from home in the snowdrift
where mad fallen. | was carried home stiR
as petried man. Both my feet were found to be
ice. The temperature ~ degrees below zero
Three days later they brought the doctors and had
knees. That Is how | lost my legs
rarrier IS as cheerful and accomplishing any
Mark Tapley could possibly be unde the circum-
stances. tie blithe AutOycus in his
philosophy Of life. When standing upon the props
which nature gave him ne powerful fellow
feet ~ inches in height. In adjusting himself 10
nus at one fell stroke says effecting saving
OF nearly four inches in the length OF his trou-
mas yet been discovered who. by taking thought.
was able TO add one unto his stature Farrer
has done the ncxt bes nng-he has taken part
oi cubs- from his stature. He laughingy says
also that he Is not now troubled with corns, chill
bialns and stif joints In his neither limbs when he
gets up or morning When he talks in this
nature bubbng over. Farrier has not the air OF
one accustomed to suffering
II VIII probably be hard for him to keep out Of the
c!utches or tn" dime museum men after obtaining
the notoriey which this publication will give him
Although he has reduced his height in the manner
described he is still away above the average in tall
ness. and as high kicker has few equals Ii is no
TICK for him 70 stand and kick ordinary chande-
Her as II depends from the ceiling; In fact he can
Hers. lie has often won wagers from men who
were told that he wore artificial legs by kicking a
nat nat heid seven to eight feet above the ground. In
Ike manner he has won wagers by his natural
Styl" or walking from those who would not believe
y" vas Wholly dependent on artificial legs Since
his limbs off and he ADAPTED himself 70 bis
new pedals. he has made a record Of fifteen feet in
three standing jumps. or five feet at a iunp AS A
dancer ne IS vigorous, enthusiastic and graceful he
dances the schotsch. waltz and cotilon with equal
skill and grace. N"