Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1902-03-27

the spirit of the good work. His
judgement largely dictated the
character Of the first list Of books that
was purchased for the library. We
doubt if list Of purer, more elevating
and more enObling books could be
made than that list contained. When
it became apparent that the $1,000
donated by Mr.. Scott was not enough
to supply the needs of the public
library, he first saw that fact, and no
sooner did he realize that the good
influence of the library was limited
by lack of funds than he donated to
the library a sum equal to the original
donation by Mr.. Scott. 1t was Sug
geSUed at the time Of that donation
that his name be placed by the side
Of Mr.. SCOtt'S in the name of the
library. He absolutely refused, how
ever, to permit this, saying that "1f
the good influence of the library was
increased, the sole purpose of his gift
was accomplished" He also saw the
great neeu and value CT a well equipped
library and has almost continuously
since its establishment paid the
subscriptions of the magazines,
amounting to about S100 yearly.
When the "Traveling Library" idea
was new, Mr.. Witter at once recog-
niZed the vast possibilities for good
lying within the scope of that idea.
Without waiting for the working out
a thousand dollars to equip travelling
libraries to circulate in this and
adjoining counties. He continually
re IN
until today we have thir ty-two of
these travelling libraries going forth
as messengers of good among the
instruction in library management
he paid her expenses of attendance at
the state school of librarians: when
funds for an advanced course in
funds necessary to establish such a
course.
Through his generous donations to
libraries alone, thousands of souls in
this and adjoining counties have
daily drawn enjoyed an inspiration TO
higher and nobler life.
He did not wait till death overcame
him, but scattered his blessings with
bOuntiful hand while yet he might in
a measure direct the course of his
bounty and give it further aid until
it no longer needed his help.
Mr.. Witter found his true happiness
in doing good for others. But he did
this good in quiet way. Most of his
deeds of kindness are known to those
who were the recipients Of them. The
poor and the friendleSs always found
fYin in, h, ~ hnI
money and desired an education found
Mr.. Witter ready helper. Not
many years ago, when our city was in
distress, he gave through the agency
Of the churches, 1200 barrels Of flour
to the poor. He wanted no thanks
for these favOrS, and many are they
who have heard him say, II don't
know what you want to thank me for,
| have done nothing more than my
duty" When he was about to leave
for Rockford last month he said, Nov
| would like to live few more years
and begin to give to the different
objects | love-I would like to dispose
of most Of my fortune before | die
that [ may see the good resulting
from it, The last benetienceS Of his
generous charact er is legacy to the
city of $4,000, and this will no doubt
be used for the uplifting of our city.
Mr.. Witter loved his city. He
always tried to further its interests
his whole pride was in Grand Rapids.
Morally. financially and educatiOnally
he has done much for the community.
He believed in the city'S future: he
Saw The possibility Of great industries
being established here and run by the
water power. which is now wasted. 1t
was one Of his greatest desires before
his death to see this water power
developed.
Behind his fortune and benevolence
his firm and clear grip on facts; his
courage and self-cOmmand was pure
and noble Christian belief. His
religious views were liberal. His creed
was simple but broad and it was the
Sermon on the Mount" He believed
that the source of honest and good
living was to be found in that chapter
He once said: The parable of the
prOdigal son is the most beautiful in
the Bible" Mr. Witter believed that
all churches had work TO do and an
influence over the different classes of
people. He aided all churches with
out reference to their belief Or creed.
He was at one time teacher in the