The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1926-03-19

The proffered comforts OF the
White House, which his son had
urged upon him. particularly this
winter, failed to draw him from
his mountain home He had told
the President that where he had
spent virtually all his life he
wanted to die, and he did.
He was Of race of farmers, Of
men who had wrested their living
from the rugged soil of New Eng
land for 800 years. He was a
typical product Of the Green Noun
tains.
Once Held Office
Twice he left agriculture FOR
other pursuits. but each time re-
turned to It. The first time was
Ia serve his State, county or. town.
ship in political office and the
other was to embark on a venture
in the general store at Plymouth
crossroads.
But the Coolidge farm, where he
had worked with his father, called
him back each time.
An elementary education IN the
Plymouth township school followed
by four years at Black River Acad.
envy in Ludlow, twelve miles dis
tant, completed his schooling.
When he was 90 years old, he
married Victoria Josephine Moore
and. four years later, the future
President was born. Another child
a daughter, was born in 1876. but
died when 10 years old. five years
after her mother.
In 1891. year after his daugn-
ter's death. Colonel Coolidge mar
rfed another Plymouth gin. Carrie
A. Brown. who died In iSxO, the
year her 'step-son was elected to
the Vice Presidency of the United
States.
Entered Politics In 1872
1t was in 1872 that Colonel Cool
idge was first drawn into politics.
when his neighbors asked him TO
run for the Vermont House o.
representatives. He was electe J
aid reelected. serving continuously
for six years.
Except for local offices. such az
constable, collector OF taxes. super
intendent of schools and Ntown
selectman. Colonel Coolidge held no
public posts until 1910. when he
was asked again to serve in the
State Legislature. this time in, the
State Senate.
Thereafter. up to the time of his
death. he remained close to his
home. writing life insurance and
serving as vice president OF the
Ludlow Savings Bank and Trust
Company He received his military
title as colonel from serving on
the staff of Governor W. w. Stick.
ney, an old friend.
Years ago he had devoted himself
to the making Of maple sugar on
the Coolidge farm and, up to the
summer Of 1925, when he was first
stricken. he performed all his own
work.
Administered Oath to Son
1t was in the Coolidge ancestral
home, in August, 1928, following
the news of the death az President
Harding, that President Coolidge
took the oath OF offiNp as chief
executive of the natI0A. and his
father, as justice of the peace Of
the State. of Vermont, administered
the oath under the Pickering light
OF a single oil lamp.
When Colonel Coolidge was first
stricken with heart BLOCK" in
June, 1926, his first serious illness,
the President was rushed by specia
train and fast automobiles from
his summer retreat at Swampscott
Mass, to the Plymouth home.
The Presidents personal physician
Aaided local physicians in treating
The aged patient and he rallied
Soon he was again about the farm,
performing chores as OF old.
Last December, however. he lost
the use OF one leg. Since then he
had alternately rallied and sunk
and. for some time before his
! death, the end had been expected.