16 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH 



of both father and mother and their devotion to 

 duty, which was the answer of a life of faithful 

 service and prayer. 



There were twelve children born to bless this 

 home. Four of these passed into the blessed be- 

 yond in early childhood, many years ahead of 

 this kind and loving father. Eight still survive 

 him — three sons and five daughters. The best 

 proof of the sincerity of this home is seen in the 

 fact that each and all of these eight children 

 professed a hope in Christ, and were baptized of 

 their father, before they reached the age of 

 thirteen years. If any one of these children is 

 not thoroughly familiar w^ith the teachings of 

 the Bible, it is no fault of the father. As each 

 became capable of reading and understanding 

 the Scriptures, a splendid copy of the Bible was 

 presented to him, and the constant admonition, 

 and in some instances compulsion, to read so 

 much of the Scriptures each day. The exten- 

 sive teaching that children must of necessity sow 

 some ^^wild oats," was false in the opinion of 

 this father, and instead he let no opportunity 

 pass to place in their hands the "golden grain" 

 for early sowing that they might reap a golden 

 harvest in after years, and in eternity. How 



