The Logan Republican. [volume] (Logan, Utah) 1902-1924, 1913-02-22

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LESTER BRYANT, THE FARMER BOY


LESTER BRYANT, THE FARMER BOY
On February 18th the National House of Rep.
resentatves paid a glowing and fitting tribute to
young farmer boy, who had achieved success. and
within a few hours OF receiving a prize. died
at the nations capital.
1t while the appropriations for the Depart
ment Of Agriculture were under discussion that the
clerk read follows:
There will be a general and profound
in Kentucky because of the tragic end Of
Lester Bryant, the boy corn grower Of Warren
county. His death by asphyxiaton in a Wash
ington rooming house was a most pitiful and un-
expected termination of what otherwise would
have been one OF the memorable events Of his
life. Lester Bryants labor worth much to
his country and his example was worth much to
his state. His untmely death Is loss not only
to his parents, his friends and his country, but
in some degree loss to the commonwealth and
to the country at large Boys of his sturdy char
acter and manly achievements are needed in state
and in nation
Representative HeHin of Alabama then spoke
as follows:
Mr.. Chairman, last year young Bimbrough,
15yearold boy from my district, came to Washing
ton to receive prize for having produced more
one acre Of ground than any other boy in
the State OF Alabama. He produced one
224 bushels of corn Well do | remember the i'm
preston he made upon me when saw him In the
Gallery Of this House, how looked with admira-
ton upon the manly little fellow and prophesied
the time when he would become an ideal farmer in
my state.
Mr.. Chairman a few days ago Kentucky boy
Lester Bryant came to Washington to receive
prize that he had won for producing more white
acre of ground in Kentucky than any
other boy produced on like area in half dozen
states around him. He died in this city and now
sleeps the slope Of hill near the field where
he welded the hoe and guided the pillow producing
that record breaking yield. While We have under
consideration the agricultural appropriation BILL as
a member of the committee on agriculture, want
to lay simple and deserved tribute upon the new
made grave of this little Kentucky boy who did so
much for agriculture in the United States. | know
Mr. Chairman, that what may say will not affect
him now, but It may be of some comfort to his
loved ones and friends and may be of some value
TO some farmers boy somewhere.
He was born and reared on Kentucky farm,
and when the Secretary of Agriculture called for
boy volunteers to help increase the supply OF
the United States he became volunteer in the
army of American growers. This army was
composed Of $4,000 American boys, and Lester
Bryant only private in the ranks; but, Mr..
Chairman, there was chance for promotion, and op.
portunty was given to become an honored captain
in that industrial army. This youthful Kentucky
farmer at the end of 70 months service was of
90 boys chosen from the ranks of $4,000 as prize
winner in contest where industry and skill of
high order We're essential TO He his
promotion from the place of private in the ranks
to the Office of captain in this industrial army,
and he came here to receive his commission at the
hands of the Secretary of Agriculture the comman
der in chief of the corn boys army
When his eyes beheld for the first time this
glorious capital of country, how beautiful the
vision to his enTaptured gaze. But, Mr.. Chairman
within few hours of the time when he would have
heard the Secretary of Agriculture say well done
my boy; you have won the prize" death touched
him and he fell into that mysterious sleep that
kisses down his eyeds su. The news Of his
sad and untimely death pang OF sorrow
through this House and over the country. Plucked
out Of life when hope was high and the future
seemed so bright-dead in the morning of happy,
buoyant youth time. And yet Mr.. Chairman he
did more in his brief time earth to teach the
art Of intensive farming than thousands of men
who have lived long and died Of sheer old age
He has done more for his State and Nation In EN-.
phaszing the marvellous possibilities OF one acre
OF ground than thousands of men who have lived
threescoIe years and ten. He was little mission.
airy carrying 10 the farmers OF his state and nation
the gospel Of intelligent, scientific farming and
the fact that he did accomplish so much by the In
teigen cultivation OF one acre OF ground will stand
out an example and beacon light to every farmer
boy who aspres TO become a successful farmer.
He broke the soil deep, carefully prepared the
ground, and selected the seed corn that he plant.