The Taney County republican. (Forsyth, Mo.) 1895-1992, 1916-12-14
Wilson because l thought he was the
best man Of the two"

best man Of the two"
Mr.. Loper was born in Rochester,
New York, May 26, 1916. During his
earley boyhood aud manhood he fol-
lowed the shipbuilding trade during
the winter and in the summer he sail
ed on trading vessels on the great
lakes, principally Lake Ontario. One
Of the old gentleman chief delights
is 10 tell OF his voyages, his fishing
trips and the days OF the first steam
boats, Although Mr.. Loper did not
fight in the Civil war his reminiscent
ces are clear Of that period and it is
also one Of his favorite sui jacts. How
ever unlike many old persons Mr..
Loper delights more in talking Of the
situations and problems which are
facing the world at the present time
than the struggles which have taken
place.
I don't believe anyone knows who
is going to win the war;" said the old
gentleman when asked for his opinion.
Every day my grand daughter
reads the papers 10 me and sometimes
the Germans are ahead, sometimes the
English are victorious, and" here Mr..
Loper smiled, sometimes the Mex
leans are ahead"
Mr.. Loper lives with his grand
daughter Mrs. J. W. Spence on Ninth
and Pine streets. Mrs. Spence says
that her grandfather is cheerful all
Of the time, his chief worry being that
he is not able to work. His main
enjoyment is being read TO and the
first thing he asks for each day is tie
daily paper.
Yes, like to ride in automobiles,
they are fne," Grandpa Loper re-
piled on being asked about his iav-
orits relaxation. Il rode over TO the
polls to vote and enjoyed my ride very
much. From boats 10 railway con-
trivaneeS everything surely has chang
ed. I can remember the time when
railroad trains were luxuries and row
they are necessities
This aged man was able to walk
some distance until recently and he
still walks around the house. He is
able TO attend church, and erjoys life
apparently as much as one much
younger than he. Last Sunday morn
ing Mr.. Loper attended the services
at the First Methodist church to
which faith he became a convert
when 81 years old, or three years ago
The next place I want to 60 is
down TO the Olympia Shipbuilding
yards and watch them work" and
again he became almost youthful as
he spoke with great vim Of the days
when he helped build boats and sail.
ed the Great Lakes. Il think it is
wonderful that Olympia has such a
fine industry here and l want to see
them work. For years I worked on
the building Of vessels. I could work
yet if l could walk"
Besides following the ship-building
trade Mr.. Loper owned farms in the
middle west where he lived.
In appearance Mr.. Loper is kind
" looking, white.haired old gentleman, |
whose blue eyes are especially bright, |
whose voice is gentle and he talks with |
clear connected sentences. He has
a ready wit, and greets everyone with !
a hearty smile. He is fond of flowers ,
and his granddaughter endeavors to
keep some for him. The old gentle
man spends most Of his time in a
lavorite rocking chair.
Il have lived in Olympia for II |
years and l want to live here the rest !
Of my life; for | like it and think it |
is a beautiful place to live" and the |
old man, 100 years and seven months |
old, smiled as he rocked constantly |
back and forth in his chair never
growing tired Of talking Of his past
and the live subjects Of the day, bu; /
always displaying little touches Of
pride 10 the fact that he has enjoyed |
this good old world" as he puts il. |
so long.