The Leavenworth echo. [volume] (Leavenworth, Wash.) 1904-current, 1914-06-12
DR.. Cranes Funeral Grafton Over a Man

John Smith was Man. That is why
we are gathered here to do him honor
For while the earth is full Of men, a
Man is still rare thing.
He was a Man, firstly, because he
earned his living. I should put that as
the prime test. The most important
thing for any human being is to do
something for which the world is will
ing to give him food and clothes.
He never inherited any money. No
body ever gave him any. What he got
was paid him for honest work. He
was a man because he wanted no other
kind Of money.
He married and came to this town
80 years ago. He took his wife be-
cause he loved her, and she loved him.
They had no worldly goods then. He
was a Man because love was enough for
him when it came to marrying.
He liked to work, and when his day S
work was done he liked to play. He
liked the folks that liked him. Those
that did not like him he kept away
from as much as possible. He got
along with everybody because he never
tried TO get along with people he could
Mt get along with. He was not a
saint. He was human, which is better.
He was not liar. His word was
never doubted.
He was not sorry for himself. He
never achieved fame or position, but he
was cheerful, and was a fountain Of
contentment to all who knew him.
He gave his children an education,
for that, he said, he owed them. He
was a Man because he discharged his
responsibilities to those dependent upon
him.
He did his own thinking. Nobody
ever stampeded him into any movement
cause or cult, in which thereafter he
was to think as others voted. He
worked with various organizations, so
long as they served his purpose; he
was no tool.
He did what he thought was right
even when he had to disagree with
some OF his friends.
He was never known to whip his
horse, nor to kick his dog. He was
friendly with the birds. Bees would
not sting him. Squirrels ate from his
hand.
He disciplined himself. He could
hold his tongue, govern his temper and
control his passions. But he never
tried to discipline others.
He was an expert at minding his
own affairs; also letting his neighbors
mind theirs.
His children loved him and did as
he wished, because they knew him,
never because they were afraid of him.
He was more than their father; he was
their friend.
To him every woman was an appeal
for protection and for respect. He
never looked upon a woman with an
eye of conquest. He was more than a
Male; he was a Man.
His muscles were strong. His health
was good. His brain was clear. His
heart was big and tender. His con-
science was keen. His love was loyal.
He had vivid sense Of humor.
He laughed great deal. He I'M
tangled many a knot among his friends
by finding the funny end of the string.
He helped smile many a humbug out
OF business.
He was not leading citizen, nor
the high worshipful Of the lodge, nor
postmaster, nor mayor, judge, sheriff,
nor president Of anything. Somehow
it never occurred to people to elect him
to any prominence. He was one of
them. He remained Man.
The worlds a stage and we play
many parts. Let US thank God, breth-
rem, that here and there some one,
like John Smith, finds it to his taste to
play the part Of Man.
Let US reverently bow our heads in
respect to the memory Of Man.