Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1911-05-11
Here's q Tragedy II
Real Life at Home

WIN Cartons memorable poem
"over the Hills to, the Poor House."
for years = xavorite on Friday after
moons In the -little red school house.
was probably never pictured more fore
IDLY upon a community than at Green
Mountain Wednesday afternoon. when
two well-known and highly respected
old people Of the village for
thirty years-were removed to the
county farm. doubtless to end their
days.
It was not because Of an uncharitable
community or because good, christian
people had not done. and were still
willing to do, that the action was nee
essary. but because 1t seemed
that the best place to care for tho UNI
fortunates was in the new county hos
pital so recently opened for the treat
ment Of the aged and inarm.
In the case of Ephriam p. Colby and
his aged wife, who were taken to the
county farm Wednesday. is found q
tragedy in real life here at home. For
about twenty years Mr.. and Mrs. Col
by have kept small boarding house
and feed stable. They have both
worked hard and from their savings
were able to lay aside little for "a
rainy day" They saved enough to buy
a comfortable home. which was free
from all incumbrance. They also had
small sum to their credit In the bank.
But the rainy day came, and proved
too much for the small competency.
Two years ago Mr.. Colby, now a man
Of 6s. was stricken with paralysis, and
has been entirely helpless ever since.
The good wife. two years her hus-
bands senior, battled bravely to make
both ends meet and not have to draw
upon the little reserve fund or mort
gage the home. The struggle was too
great, however, for the poor woman,
and little by little the funds have
dwindled. First the team was sold, then
what farm machinery was on the place.
The family COW, a saver to the home
could she have been kept was finally
disposed Of to get more ready money.
Lastly the home was mortgaged and,
altho the old couple still has an equity
in 1t. 1t Is as good as lost.
Under the strain the good wife final
ly yielded, and two weeks ago her mind
began to fail. She had cared for her
husband night and day ever since his
illness. and the two long years had been
toO uluSll lOI LICK SlESc SSOIC ycoAS a&Ao
ten.
Nothing was left. under the circum-
stances, but the county hospital, ano
there the old people-partners in life
for a long. long time. were taken. t.
be cared for as public charges. Truly
the tragedy is a real one.
While the good people OF Green
Mountain regretted very much. to see
the action taken, 1t seemed the best
for the old people themselves. Mr..
Colby is in need Of nursing and a male
attendant to care for him in his help
less condition. Mrs. Colby's mental
condition being added as an affliction
in the household made the situation
even harder to meet, altho the Green
Mountain people have done much to-
ward helping the old folks silice their
overlook them. A,year or
so ago neighbours and friends made up
a purse Of 3115 and presented 1t to Mrs.
Colby. but with no earning capacity
this was only little for two to live
upon.
The Colbys have no children. and but
few relatives IN this part OF the coun-
try. The nearest relative is a nephew,
but he has aided the couple all he
could. and It was not possible for him
to care for then, in his own home.