Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1899-06-15
A CLERICAL GAME WARDEN.
,,,cbIeap,s odd OmciaI Lives win
H,s Dogs. Fishes, Hunts ana SUD
.ists Upon the Results.

Calhoun county, Mich. boasts OF tht
only clergyman game warden IN Amer
lea Rev. Isaac Collier, who is known
throughout the state as Henry D.
Thoreau, OF Michigan, as be has Tor
many years lived alone with his dogs
in a cottage on the shore OF Goguae
| lake, summer. winter and every sea
son, spending his time in fishing and
hunting and in the study Of books and
nature.
A passionate regard for nature has
led this unique clergyman TO live among
the flowers and trees, the birds and
animals OF the woods. Years OF botan.
ical training made 1t possible for him
10 understand the flowers which be
plucks by the roadside or in the fields
or forests. Never does day pass that
the venerable character, with his fish
pole. may not be seen vending his
way TO the waters edge for his Gus
tomary fish. His expert knowledge Of
angling makes him known among fish
ermen as "0ur Izaak Walton" and he
lives out his title Not only does he
fish. but be studies his prey. He knows
the fish and their habits, and is at home
among them.
strange place is his cottage, un-
lathed, upholstered, but the home Of
contented man. He subsists entirely
upon the results Of bis hunting and
fishing. He not only sells his fish for
the few groceries and supplies which
be requires. hut he is fond OF them as
a regular diet. lie Is his own cook.
His tea be makes from the wild plant
blossoms known as the Jersey tea, and
the only coffee which be uses Is made
from the hickory nuts which he gath
ers. Above an. he is hale, hearty and
healthy, although 6s years Of his life
have passed. But be says: 81 live close
10 nature, and so do live, not exist"
Greek, Latin, Hebrew, Chaldaic, Sy-
riac, French and modern languages are
read by the quaint character. and no
matter how busy a day be has spent
among his fish friends be closes II by
reading a chapter in his Greek Tesla.
ment Apart from the world. he never
neglects bis religion. and studies re
ligious questions OF modern and ancient
character.
Rev. Isaac Collier was born in Greene
county. n. Y. and IN his mere child.
hood he astonlshed his parents by de
his intention 10 enter the min
istry. He took a course Of study In
the Coxsaclde az. W academy, and
then the grammar school al New Bruins
wick. n. j. He received his diploma
from Rutgers college. following this
by three years theological course
His first call was 20 Coeymans, on the
Hudson river, where be preached for
i've years. In 1866 be entered upon his
duties as pastor Of She Dutch Reformed
church Of Battle Creek, leaving In
1871 for Richboro, Pa. on like call. !
where he remained IA years, returning 1
% preach as a Congregationaliss in the
Augusta church. After his return 70
Battle Creek he took up his Thoreau-
ike life, and has continued ever since IN 4
his plan OF living.
He has just been appointed game
warden for Calhoun county by State
Warden Chase Osborne. and announces
mphatically that be will use the same
igor in the fultillment Of the law as
n the expounding o. the Scriptures and /
he travelling o. the woods for nature
study. No one can fail 70 understand
Why he is called the Henry d. Thoresu
u Michigan. Chicago Inter Ocean.