A sthuol phiygrouiid 



and liis ideal was to teach so as to help the children to a 

 knowledge of the beauty and use of the common things 

 in their country environment. He once said, " The 

 man who can find comradeship in associating with himself 

 has a fountain of culture; living in a ' hurrah's nest ' is 

 enervating. The man or woman to whom folks are 

 necessary is to he pitied." Thus he tried to build up 

 within the child powers for self-development and self-help. 



As a friend, " Uncle John " was always most helpful. 

 He was always ready to give a word of cheer in discourage- 

 ment, and his optimism was a source of inspiration. 

 When he had once made up his mind to accomplish an 

 object, it was amazing to see how obstacles fell before 

 his determination. 



" Uncle John " died at Ithaca October 24, 191 2, and 

 was buried at Westfield two days later. It seemed 

 fitting that his passing should occur in the place of his 

 greatest achievements. It seemed like the writing by 

 the hand of fate that a farmer in a rural district with no 

 special education to fit him for the work, should have 

 found the opportunity for the full development of his 

 genius, and thus brought his influence to bear upon the 

 35 



