The Redwood gazette. [volume] (Redwood Falls, Minn.) 1873-1940, 1903-05-06

territory was sufficient in itself to
confer rare distinction. Then the
incumbency of that position again
during the period covered by the
civil war added materially to that
distinction. His services later on
as q. S. senator, and secretary Of
war, conferred additional fame, and
the fact that for many years he was
the only surviving war governor of
the States naturally made his name
revered by the whole nation.
x
But while in intellectual bril-
liancy or scholastic attachments
Gov. Ramsey may not have measured
up with some of Minnesota S other
distinguished sons who came upon
the field of action later, his good
sense and answering integrity
combined to make him an ideal
executive. His Judgment was safe
and his nature abounded in kind
ness and optimism. He was a
gentleman of the old school, plain,
practical, matter-of- fact and halter
of sophistry or shams. He was a
WOO " oOp vorcof;opol;o+ OVID ,por+ol
no time or words in leading up to
the main question. He was direct.
| almost blunt, in his remarks, but
| withal so good natured and witty
that he was able to give very
pointed advice or suggestions in
such a humorous way, generally
accompanying them with a good
story, that no one ever thought of
taking offense.
There are many anecdotes illus
trative of Gov. Ramsey ready wit
which will not cease to be told
within the life of the present gener-
alton. He prided himself on his
rugged constitution, and was fond
of saying (until few months ago.
that be had never been sick a day
| in his life. At certain meeting of
the Old Settlers association of
Ramsey county one of the members
| read paper which called attention
to the fact that the ranks of the old
settlers, already thin, were depict
ing more rapidly every year, and
he dolefully dwelt upon the mental
anguish of the last surviving mem
Der when be realized that all his
associates were gone. He was
painting dismal picture when Gov.
Ramsey broke in on the line long
enough to say: st isn't necessary
to further harrow the feelings of
those present upon this subject for
I'll be that last surviving member,
and you can read the balance of
your paper to me when the meeting
is adjourned. .
On another ol casion a young man
| who had been congratulating the
ex governor upon his good health
and spirits at his age asked if he
could tell him what he could do
that would insure him the same
degree of health at that age. To
this question Gov. Ramsey replied
eyes, simply put more water in
your whiskey.
Some eighteen years ago life
insurance agent was importuning
the governor to have his life in
lsured. The governor was favorable
to the proposition but objected to
the high rate demanded on account
of his advanced age. The rate was
based upon the American experience
table of mortality and the figures
were shown him. "Why, said the
governor, "you can't use that table
in my case for according to those
figures I ought to be dead now,
whereas, IN alive and expect to be
for many years yet. F" The insurance
was not written simply because the
scheduled rate for one of the COVER
nor's age was more than he would
| pay.
It will doubtless be a pleasure to
every person in this state to know
that the ceremonies attending the
burial of the distinguished citizen
were in keeping with the love and
I