134 THE NATURALIST OF THE ST. CROIX 



the water power where the cotton mill is located. He gave 

 his interest in that to the cotton mill company to induce 

 them to locate there ; then sold them the land surround- 

 ing their mill, his homestead and the saw mill (as they 

 wanted the power to pump water), a tract of land for 

 homes for the employes and the balance he sold to other 

 parties. It was the only time in the history of the town 

 when there was any demand for property and he was the 

 only one that showed the good judgment to sell. Another 

 instance of his good business judgment was shown in his 

 never making investments in Florida, although he had 

 spent many winters there when northern men were 

 investing largely in business enterprises that promised 

 large returns ; and when one of his sons also resided 

 there, was himself largely interested in railroads, orange 

 groves and hotels. None of them, however, could ever 

 induce Mr. Boardman to invest in their enterprises to 

 the extent of even one cent. 



His love of home was a very strong trait of his char- 

 acter. His affection for the place in which he lived, had 

 passed his active years and had made his money, was of 

 a kind with his love of the domestic fireside and of his 

 own family. 



To all the interests of the city where he lived he was 

 devoted — the church, the schools, the streets, the town 

 improvements. Connected with many large corporations, 

 with banks, steamboats, railroads, shipping and mills, 

 he realized their worth to the community and was always 

 active and constant in the public duties they imposed. 

 But when these had been attended to he entered into 

 the social and home pleasures with all the vigor of 

 youth. After having spent two or three winters with his 



