The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1913-06-26
TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO.
DEATH OF JOHN CAREY.

DEATH OF JOHN CAREY.
Hon, John Carey of Meeme died on
Tuesday of this week. He had been in
failing health for the last few months,
but not until the last few weeks did
his sickness assume serious aspect.
He knew his sickness was final one,
but with characteristic independence
he refused to be considered an object
of concern and looked upon sympathy
almost as if it we're intrusion.
He was born in ireland in 1889 and
immigrated to the United States when
child. With his parents he settled
at Albany, N. Y, and from thence
moved to Wisconsin in 1852, taking up
his residence in Newton. Here he
lived until his marriage when he NOV
ed to Meeme which place has been
since his home. He received COM
mon school education and for short
time was a student in an academy in
N. y. While a country school teacher
he attracted attention as fluent speak
er. Many debate in country school.
house was enlivened by his wit and
made interesting by the soidty of his
arguments. Had his early years been
spent in community whose traditions
included intellectual culture of high
degree, John Carey's career would
have been a lofty one, as he had ambi-
tion, purpose, mind, and that daring
spirit which made Opposition and diff
Guilty spur to action. He went be-
yond his fellows in Intellectual con-
quests; he enjoyed the supremacy of
peerless mind in all social gatherings
and unfortunately there was nothing
in his surroundings to suggest ideals
which it was in his power to realize for
he had it in HMM manly appear
ance, mental endowments and the cour-
age which makes men defy difficulties
and beat down opposition--to be one of
the leading men of the state. Those
who knew him not intimately had but
a suggestion of his native power,-of
the strength of purpose, fertility OF re-
source and energy OF execution which
made him natural leader of men in
any walk OF life in which Circumstance
es might cast his lot
He chose the life of a farmer. With
in the circumscribed horizon of country
boys at that time there were only two
paths in life visible-that of day la
borer and farmer. The professions
did not seem to welcome one whose
hand had grown callous in the heavy
grasp of toll. The country boy could
not then, as now, measure stature with
him, who, being exempt from manual
labor, enjoys opportunities from which
the other is debarred. John Carey's
made him farmer and
at time when to farm meant to toll
YEARLY, almost hopeless of passing
that point where mans labor can
more than meet the needs of the pres
ent. He raised large family and
there is no man whose name is more
closely interviewer in the history of
the county in every matter pertaining
to the correction of abuses or original
ing measures for the county's good.
He served for many years on the coun-
ty board, its acknowledged leader, fear
ed by those who had reason to dread
exposure, and trusted by every one
who desired good government. He re-
presented the first assembly district
twice and was twice elected to the
state senate, his second term not yet
being half completed. In every posi-
ton he was noted for his integrity,
his independence and the fearlessness
with which he spoke his convictions.
Secrecy was foreign to his nature
The worst thing he ever said OF man
was in that mans presence.
There are few people In this county
who knew John Carey at his best, who
fully sounded the profound depths of
his generous nature or who appreciated
the innate delicacy and strong charac-
ter OF the man. AT his home or among
those whose friendship he priced, he
was most genial companion. II his
wit was less piquant his humor was
more captivating. His laughter came
from heart which could not harbor
resentment. There never lived kind
er father or husband or more consi-
derate friend.
A man must be judged by the opin-
ion OF his neighbors and there is not a
person who knew John Carey well
whose eyes have not mostened at ne ws
Of his death. To many OF us to whom
his friendship was given unreservedly,
who as boys looked with admiration up
on this perfect specimen OF young man
hood and who experienced many a
kindness al his hands when recogni.
tion was boon, the old places will
seem strange without him and we
shall miss the "touch Of vanished
hand and the sound Of a voice that ii
still.n