loneerkozi.et1ion; - ScholarsArchive at Oregon State University

52 TYRTJS HIMES.
his model farm furnishes the evidence of what well directed industry will accomplish.
To his pains-taking, persistent, steady work, the lake had been converted
into the most luxuriant meadow, the heavy forest has become the garden
where small fruits and early vegetables are supplied in the greatest profusion
and excellence.
Uncomplaining, except at home, and only then when oppressed naature could
no longer endure intenSe bodily suffering, he had gradually failed, and his family
could see his disease was mastering him. Still he worked on. With his
own hands he prepared and planted his early garden for 1879. The heavy
rains of that spring overflowed the drained lake, the ditches proved insufficient
to carry off the surplus watersthe garden was destroyed, his work was rendered
abortive. He realized that he was failing in health, he felt that his
former energy was deserting him, he grieved that his labor should have proved
useless, he experienced that he had not time to do twice over the same work.
Life was too short to be thus baffled near its close, and so this strong-hearted
man was giving up. His strong will, that never forsook him, was now yielding.
He fretted, and showed that small causes could now discourage him. At
this time, (late in March), he wrote to his eldest son in Portland. It was his
last letter, and it gave unmistakable indication that the father was anticipating
the close of a life which had been laborious. It was the premonition that his
best energies were failing. But he did not, would not, give up. He labored
on. He was at the plow on the 22nd day of April, doing his accustomed share
of the work of the farm. There was no need for him to be there. Put if the
work was to do, he would do it. He came in at noon, but could eat nothing.
He was worn out. He had finished his earthly work. The strong man succumbed.
His long infirmity had at length conquered. His strength failed him.
His spirit sank within him. Plaintively he told the family he was too ill to
work. In the evening, when the time came for milking, he wanted to do his
accustomed share, but for the first time he asked his suns to relieve him of the
task. Night followed, but with it came no sleep for him. He suffered through
till morning, when the physician came, to bring but temporary relief. He
could eat no food, take no nourishment, his stomach rejected everything. The
strong constitution was hopelessly worn out. In the evening, conscious of early
dissolution, he calmly summoned the family to his bedside, and bade them an
affectionate farewell. Then the old man patiently waited for his eternal release
from that agony and pain which so long and so often bad been his companion.
Till then he had been conscious of all that was passing. He soon became delirious,
and so continued until 9 o'clock the next morning, when welcome death
terminated his suffering.
A widow well advanced in years, several children, the majority of whom are