The San Francisco call., 1906-03-25
high forehead

high forehead and thick. honorable white
hair a marked similarity TO Bryant as
he appeared in his later years. Mans
allotted term on earth he has already
seen. and yet he is still strong in the
councils Of his people and rich in the ac-
cumulated interests Of a lifetime.
At the prest mt time he is most inter
esting for the eccentricities which years
Of stalwart independence have developed,
but these are lovable peculiarities, and
only severed from remarkable actions by
the compelling power Of time and his in
creasing inflrmities. The loud, though
pleasant voice, and strong, often fiery,
declams tory manner, are remnants of the
days when his fellow-citizens were who'll
ly swayed by the magnihcence of his ora
tions. Charmingly simple in manner, he
stll represents with it that old courtesy
which made every stranger his guest
When moved by righteous indignation
there crops out the daring and domineer-
ing insistence Of one who has always
followed the right and knows its power.
Even today il there is any topic worthy
81 discussion and his felloW-citizens are
In danger Cf going wrong he becomes a
haranguing prophet in the community.
Al such times his mind is wholly en-
crossed with these matters. and / have
II from his daughter that he may be seen
coming down his private lawn, and even
the public streets, shaking his head, ges-
uculsting, sometimes sweeping upward
with his arms, as If addressing his fel-
loW-citizens in assemblage.
He had pushed his big hat well
back upon his forehead" she said on
one occasion. and. forgetful Of the bit
ter cold, had taken off his overcoat and
carried il on his arm. Occasionally he
would stop quite still, as il he were ad-
dressing a companion. and with sweep
ing gestures illustrate some IDEA or
other. Then, planting his big cane
forcibly with each step, as though to
compel acceptance. he came forward
and entered the house"
In the little town where he has lived
so many years he knows every living
creature, from cattle upward, and has
ell their interests at heart The sick,
the poor, the widows and the orphans
are his special care. Every Sunday
afternoon for years IL has been his Gus
tom TO go the rounds of the indigent,
frequently carrying a basket of his
good wife's dinner. This he would dis
tribute along with consolation and ad-
vice. 0cca asionally he would return
home OF winters day very much en-
crossed with a discovery of some i'm
portant Instance Of distress.
On these very occasions" said his
daughter, he would. as he nearly al
ways does. talk TO himself on the way,
as II he were discussing politics. You
could never tell what he was coming
for.
80 Mother he would say, I've found
such q poor family This was delivered
IN most dramatic style after he had in
dicated something important by throw
ing his overcoat on the bed and stand
ing his cane IN the corner. They have
moved into the old saloon. You know
how open that is. There's a man and
several children. The mother is dead.
They were on their way TO Kansas, but
IL got so cold they've stopped here until
the winter is broken. They're without
food; almost no clothing. Can't we find
something for themT
with his own labor he would help
mother seek out the odds and ends that
could be spared, and so armed. would re-
turn, arguing by the way as IL an errand
Of mercy were the last thing he contem-
plated"
Always Of q reverent turn of mind, he
took considerable interest IN religious
ministration. though he steadily and per-
sistently refused. In his later years. TO go
70 church. One Of the most touching an
ecdotes representative Of this was related
20 me by his daughter, who said:
Mr. Kent, poor man Of the town, was
sick for months previous TO his death,
times daily. 10 visit him. He would spend
an hour with him, singing. praying, and
ministering to his spiritual wants.
Upon one occasion AIR. Kent expressed
desire % hear certain song. Ny faith
er was not very familiar with II, but anx-
ious TO grant his request, came home and
asked me If I would get q friend OF mine
and go with him anu sing the song for
him.
We entered the sick room, he leading
US by the hand. Mr.. Kent's face at once
frightened, and father said TO him:
. Mr.. Kent. told you this morning I
couldn't sing the song you asked for. but
these girls know it. and have come TO
sing il for you
Then, waving his hand gen4y toward
US. he said:
80 Sing, children
I'VE did, and when we had finished he
iznelt and offered q prayer, not for the
poor mans recovery, but that he might
put his trust IN the Lord and meet death
without fear. I have never been more