The Butler Weekly Times Newspaper, December 21, 1892, Page 12

J.L. ERWIN. T.B TERRY SKETCH OF T. B. TERRY, OF OHIO, WHO IS AIDING IN THE INSTITUTE WORK NOW PROGRESSING IN MISSOURL. T. B. Terry was born in 1843 at LaFayette, N.Y. His father was @ minister and also for years editor of a religious paper at Syracuse, N.Y. The family moved to Painesville, O., in 1853, where the father preached in the Congregational Church. The son, T. B., was sent to the academy at that place, and later to Western Reserve College. It was intended that he should finish up in a theological seminary. 1g but his health gave out and from necessity he gave up all study and took up the first work that came to his hand. This was buying butter on commission, and afterwards cheese as well as butter, the money being furnished by city firms. Mr. Terry soon became a partner with a half interest, made considerable money and spent as ireely. Doing business on borrowed capital soon became distasteful to him and he gaveitup. Meanwhile he had built a house in the town of Hudson that was too costly to sell readily, and also he lost heavily in two other ways at about this time, from having too much faith in and the only chance to do this to any advantage was an offer to trade a farm forit. He took the farm, thinking he could sell that readily. It was badly run down and he found himself cheated again. No one would buy at any price and no reliable man would rent it. After a year of anxiety Mr. Terry and his wife and two babies moved onto the farm to fix it up a little so it could be sold. There was not a thought at first of staying long. He knew nothing of farming prac- tically, but his wife was a farmer’s daughter. Mr. Terry was offered over $1,000 a year to stay in town and clerk for the firm where he had been a partner, but preferred to be hisown boss. The firat two or three years on the run-down farm starvation came pretty close. Interest on $3,700 to pay, wife and babies to support and about $300 total cash sales. It would have been paradise regained to have returned to town and taken the thousand a year salary. But he had moved onto the farm for a purpose, and his stock of grit was too large to let him back out till he had got his money back out of the farm. He decid- ed that life wasa battle and he might as well fight it out in one place as another. He was there amd would conquer there, or die there while trying. Little by little he got his bearings and brought his mind, trained by the long years of cyllege drill, to pear on the prob- lem. Daring to follow out his own thoughts he gradually worked out of old ruts and into business-like practices, being laughed at asa town farmer, book farmer, etc.; but quietly and steadily he went ahead. Twenty-three years ago he moved onto the farm. The buildings and fences as well as the land were run-down to almost nothing. Bat in a few years the old debt was paid off and everything put into good shape. The buildings on the farm now, with their contents, are in- sured for ¥8,400. Instead of 3300 a year Mr. Terry has seen his cash sales reach 7 to 9 times that amount in a single year, and this from 35 acres of cultivated land, by growing clover, potatoes and wheat in regular rotation. Late years, since he has made something for himself, he has been in great demand asa writer for farm papers and a worker at Institutes, and now has a good income from such work. But he had succeeded on his farm and made his mark before he was wanted to do any work of this kind. He has in late years refused offers of $2,000 to $2,500 a year to leave the farm. He could not afford to and further has no desire to. Mr. T’s success has come from simple business-like and scieu- tific practices from doing the best that is now known. Among these are, not undertaking any more than one can do thoroughly well, con- centrated rather than spread out farming; growing what his soil was best fitted for and pushing that for all he was worth; tile draining his land where needed; practicing a systematic rotation where clover comes in often to do all it can; putting an unusual amount of labor on his land in the way of extra tillage, saving all manure most carefully, with a cement floor and even a roof over his barn yard; buying for cash and at wholesale as far as possible,and many, many other things. He hasthought out what was best and then did it; used his head and hired the heaviest of the hand work done, all of which is simple and business-like and will bring success on the farm or any- where else. Mr. T. wishes it to be plainly stated, however, that he claims only faithfal and hard working wife, who has pulled true and strong with him for better things, he gives a fall half of the credit. Any one who has heard Mr. Terry talk at our Institutes on “The Wife’s Share,” will fally believe this and that his wife gets her fall share of the fruita of their joint success. Again Mr. T. has not worked for success just for the mere ac- cumulation of money or property; but rather for a beautifal home, alittle Garden of Eden farm, with many of the comforts and luxuries of life for his loved ones and himself, and time to enjoy these. In short he has worked to live as truly and fally as possible. SKETCH OF J. L. ERWIN. iN CHARGE OF INSTITUTE WORK IN CENTRAL MISSOURI. J. L. Erwin was born in Ohio, in July of 1840, of Scotch-Irish yn le He settled on a farm in Callaway county, twenty-six years ago, and for twenty years has made dairying a specialty. He is an earnest, practical and progressive man, anxious to do all in his power for the advancement of the human family in general and particularly of the farmers. In institute work he has the happy faculty of combining instruc- tion with interest and in all public work displays wonderful energy and ability. As president of the State Dairy Association and the State Road Improvement Society, he is devoting much time and thought to the developement of better methods in the dairy industry and the ad- vancement of needed reforms in behalf of better roads. MRS. HELEN M. LAUGHLIN. Mrs. Helen M. Laughlin, the subject of this sketch, was born October 4th, 1844, in Steuben Co., New York. Scotch-Irish on the father’s side and English on the mother’s bequeathed to her that energy, independence of thought, and an intense passion for reading and study which naturally turned her restless mind toward books, rather than play for amusement and companionship. Ambition united with necessity to spur heron in her eager acquisition of knowleige, and at the age of twelve years she was sufficiently well anded in the English branches to obtain her first teacher’s certi- te. The knowledge thus acquired was not spread out over many text-booke, only those in use in the district schools of the county having been undertaken. Already her studies had seen pursued with a definite purpose, and not until a subject was thoreugh mas- tered was it relinquished. Poring over her books by the light of a tallow candle and being obliged for want of assistance, to study out the knotty points unaided, the foundation was built fora practical egueation that would be available under all circumstances. when her work a8 a teacher ended (as she supposed) in marriage. Living on a farm, the cares of housekeeping, the birth of two chil- tren, and subsequent ill-health caused by overwork interfered with he pursuit of knowledge, For atime books and study were given p and as she expressed it, “Ambition went out to playin the back ard.” Then came the removal to Missouri with father, mother, husband ind children--an unbroken family—arriving here in the spring of 1869, and pitching their househo!d tent on a farm in Adair Co., Mis- souri. Here on this farm, her two children died and were buried. Her home life as a girlas well as after marriage, brought her into in- timate and practical knowledge with al! kinds of farm work, both in the kitchen and in the field, while her study of plant life, which was begun as a pastime, has proven to be of practical use in teaching country schools. Always an omnivorous reader, her attention was carly attracted toward agricultural literature, and every word of those farm topics which usually interest only those engaged in the actual work of farming, was eagerly read and stored away for future us There has not been a single year since she learned to read that she has not had access to from two to a dozen agricultural newspapers, and this ten- dency of early life towards a knowledge of agriculture served to heighten and strengthen her interest in farming and the embellishment of the farm home. After settling down to the every day round of duties which is the lot ofall farmers’ wives, her practical business knowl- edge of farm work was an important factor in the management of the home. The Gairy, the poultry yard, and the garden were al- ready familiar by actual practice, and during the six years thus spent in the business of farming as one of the partuers—not always a silent one—she was able by careful management to keep up her studies and keep the household machinery in order. Being left a widow, with the necessity before her of earn- ing her own living, the school room became the means by which this end was reached. Always a conscientious worker, she succeeded by sheer force of will. It was “door die,” and when suc- cess crowned her efforts, the work itself. once distasteful, became a pleasure as well as a duty, and during the ten years that Mrs. Wol- verton (now Mrs. Laughlin) spent in Missouri schools, the most of her work was done in two districts. During these years was begun a work towards which her tastes and ambition had long been led—that of writing for agricultural pap- | ers, (the favor with which her contributions were received encourag- mankind. The result was that he was obliged to dispose of his home | ing her to continue.) An experience of nearly three years as assistant editor, book-keeper, compositor, and “general utility” work in the office of the Kirksville Graphic, helped to develop her ability in the line of newspaper work. Mrs. Laughlin is now a regular contributor to the Iowa Homestead, the St. Louis Journal of rulture, Cole- man’s Rural World, besides occasionally to the Kansas City Times, Globe-Democrat, Rural New Yorker and several household journals. Through this work as a writer, Mrs. Laughlin is known to many in this and adjoining states, although much of her writings has been under a nom-de-plume, and while “Nancy Sims,” “Helen B Dens- more,” “Fritz Brinker” and “Bessie Victor,” have for the last ten years appeared in the columns of various papers quite frequently, but few knew that these different characters emanated from the versatile pen of Helen M. Laughlin, or that besides this she was the author of several poems. és In institute work Mrs. Laughlin has proven a great favorite, be- inga good “all round worker,” an enthusiast alike on “Shallow Culture,” “Raising Calves by Hand” or Home Decoration, and actuat- ed at all times by a genuine, generous desire to be of real benefit to others. Mrs. Laughlin cherishes the theory that IF WE WILL we may rise equal to any emergency and is indefatigable in her efforts, but she is familiar with the mountain of difficulty which must be sur- mounted and is thoroughiy in sympathy with the farmer and the farmer’s wife. For the present her home is in College Springs, Lowa, but a resi- dence of over twenty years in Missouri has made her a true Mis- sourian in heart; and the interests of the state, especially those of agriculture and the schools are very dear to ler, and the progress of time will inevitably bring Mrs. Laughlin and her husband back to Missouri. THE STATE DAIRYMEN’S CONVENTION, TO BE HELD JANUARY 17-18, 1893, SEDALIA, Mo. It is generally conceded by those familiar with the natural con- ditions of Missouri, and who know the requirements for successful dairying, that our state is one of the best in the Union for this pur- | pose, but it must be admitted that the industry has not been devel- | oped to the extent it should have been. | particulars. Effort is now being made however, to bring Missouri to the front in this as she is in other We have now a State Dairymen’s Association, an organ- ization that has for its purpose the development and encourage- ment of this branch of agriculture. It will hold its second annual meeting January 17-18, 1893, in Sedalia. Every one interested in dairying should lend his aid towards making the meeting a success. | The meeting being held in Sedalia just prior tothe Road Convention affords an opportunity to attend both conventions and doubtless many will take advantage of this. [he same reduced railroad rates will apply to both conventions. An interesting and instructive program will be arranged and every effort made to insure the meeting being one of profit and | pleasure to all interested in dairying. J. L. Erwin, Fulton, Mo., is | the president. S.G. Lewis, Sunmer, Mo., Secretary. half the credit for his success. To his life partner, his willing and , Commencing her career as a teacher at the age of four- teon she taught successively for five years both summer and winter, | THE MISSOURI STATE ROADS IMPROVEMENT COX. VENTION. TO BE HELD JANUARY 19-20, 1893, IN SEDALIA. Announcement has already been made that the State Roads Im- provement Association will hold a convention in Sedalia, Thursday and Friday, January 19-20, 1893. This isin accordance with sugges- tion made at the Springfield, Mo., convention, held last May, and in pursuance of the purpose both of that convention and the one held by the State Board of Agriculture last August in Chillicothe, namely the shaping of public opinion regard- ing road legislation. The Board of Agriculture has for a few years past been doing all that was possible by means of discussions on the subject of “Roads,” in farmers institutes and in special Road Conventions and the circulation of road improvement literature to develope public sentiment in favor of good roads. The result of this systematic and persistent effort is very apparent in the interest that is now being taken in this matter of road improvement by the peo- ple in all parts ofthe state. In no other state inthe Union have the people become more thoroughly aroused to the importance of good roads than here in Missouri, a fact that is being recognized through- out the country, and in consequence our State has of late been the recipient of warm praise from good roads advocates in other states. The Board of Agriculture feel that in no other direction will suecess- fal work result in so mach general good, not alone to farmers, but to every other interestand is therefore anxious to do all that possi- bly can be done directly or in co-operation with others and any as- sistance the Board of Agriculture can give towards making the Se- dalia convention a success will be given freely. Recognizing that the sentiment of the people is overwhelmingly in favor of good roads, we have now to consider the means of getting them, and the first and most important is legislative. Hence the Sedalia convention will have for its task the formulating ofa meas- ure which may meet the wishes of the people, and the approval of the legislatare. To this end it is suggested and requested that be- tween now and the date of the convention, meetings be held in the different counties for the purpose of discussing the subject of a “State Road Law” from the stand point of the needs and conditions of the respective counties, then, after arriving ata conclusion as tu what provisions the law should include, appoint delegates to the meeting in Sedalia who will be prepared to state on the floor of the convention what their people want. If members of the legislature county judges, county road and bridge commissioners, road over- seers and others interested in this matter will act on the suggestion, ‘here is no question but that the Sedalia convention will be the more ‘ruitfal of results favorable to good roads in Missouri than any conven- ion ever yet held. Will the friends of Missouri, whoever they may ‘e, help in whatever way they can to secure this result? The legislature will, at the date of the convention, have been in session sufliciently long to get into working shape aud it is expected that leading members will attend the convention. rs Other prominent speakers, advocates of good roads, will be in attendance, and an effort will be made to make the convention ot great interest to all who may attend. Application hes been made te railroads for reduced rates, and, doubtless, arate of LL-3 fare for th: round trip on the certiticate plan will be granted. the regular December quarterly meeting of the Western Freight Association freight rates on material for road improvement in Missouri was dis- cussed and the decision reached will be made kuown at the Sedalia Convention. ae Correspondence regarding the convention may be had with J. 1, Erwin, Acting President State Roads Improvement. Asso ion, Fulton, Mo., or Levi Chubbuek, Acting Secretary, Columbia, Ma. EXTRACTS FROM LOCAL NEWSPAPER REPORTS OF FARMER’S INSTITUTES HELD IN THE SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE STATE, From the Poplar Bluff Citizen, extracts from report of meeting held in Butler county: The State Board of Agriculture of Missouri is assisting the farmers ina noble work, aud one that will bear much fruit. Meetings are being held throughout the commonwealth, to discuss the knotty question that confronts every tiller of the soil: Tutelligent and successful farming. G. W. Waters, of Canton, Mo., E and Dr. J. D. Deal, b. Chandler, of Farmington, of Charleston, met the farmers of Southern Butler last Monday and Tuesday at Neclysville, At the opening session, Monday, 9 a.m. J. W. Roberts was elected president of the meeting, and E. W. Hogg, of Poplar Bluff, secretary. At the openit sermon on the t g of this meeting Mr. Waters preached a veritable ‘How To Think.” He made a direct application to the agricnlturist and the stock grower. Mr. Chandler followed: We should systematize our work. Thought, brain work is needful to bring success. There is so much to learn and we really do know so little. How can we understand the rotation of crops without study? How can we understand the laws of propagation without thought? M. G. Ries spoke of potato culture: Said he sent to Michigan for one bushel of seed which yielded him big returns although the cost of the seed was about #4 per bushel. Poorly cultivated soil, good seed be used, will sometime bring good results; but without good seed the product is never satisfactory, no matter how well cul tivated, how favorable the season or well prepared the seed bed. The potato is one ofthe most profitable crops the farmers of Missouri may raise If rightly handled we can make more off of one acre than off a 20-acre wheat field. It’s a safe crop too, and what land this is right about Neelysville for potatoes, if I am any judge. At the afternoon session Mr. Chandler explained one chart giv- ing the relative manurial value of the various seed and tuber crops, batter and cheese, animals, ete. He showed the relative value of sev- eral products of the farm vegetables, grain, fruit, animals for slaugh- ter etc. It was an eye opener. and the listeners were as full of enthusiasasm the gentleman who held the pointer. Mr. Waters took up “the soil,” as a topic. There is no more important question before the American peo- ple to-day than the soil. You cannot check continuously from your bank account without making deposits Neither can you crop year after year without giving compensation to the soil, The question is, what crops are the lightest draft on the soil compared with the net cash value yielded. In other words what crops give us most for the least outlay, and leave our bank account (the land) in best condi tion. All these things must be taken into consideration. We can de it only in one way and that is by knowing the manurial value of everything grown, its market value, cost of production, amount of refuse, if any, that is returned to the soil, as a result of its growth, and its actual value. In order to perform the simplest sum in mathe- matics we must have something to work from. These charts are presented and explained to the farmers of Missogri that they may have a safe foundation to figure on and build from. Every figure given is correct, and the points that I give here are no fine-spun theory but are results of actual tests in my own fields. In raising 30 bushels of wheat it has been demonstrated that 144 lbs. of essence is taken from the soil while in feeding the straw, rotting of the stub- ble, feeding of the bran, 134 pounds of nutriment is returned to the earth which yielded the grain. Now that is a profitable crop if not too much work has been expended in seeding and harvesting, and the price of the grain is not toolow. You see the point, It is said that stock in grazing pays back continuously 95 per cent to the soi) that yields the grasses. Isn’t this worth knowing? Another point. Some farmers throw away corn cobs. There is no better fertilizer than cobs. They are worth three times what corn is as a fertilizer. Why! Because in the cob is the element that the soil requires. There must be iron in the soil also. Plants will not grow with- | out it. To render plant food available it must be exposed to the | air. Air loosens the soil. I sawa picture once. A giant stood on terra firma with broad shoulders. Above him stood a strong man resting on his shoulders, abeve him another, and on his shoulders rested still another. The topmost man was labeled physician, “1 cure all.” Under him was the merchant, “I supply all.” Beneath him was the teacher, “I teach all,” while on the solid earth, and beneath all stood the farmer with, “I support all.” Oould a picture be painted that would more truthfally portray the position the farmer occupies to-day—the foundation? The Sweet Springs Herald says of the Iustitate and the speakers A Farmer’s Institute, under the direction of the State Board of Agri- cultare, was held in this city Monday and Tuesday of this week. Our farmers have talked of nothing else, and indeed the Inetittue justified the expectation. It can be characterized by no other ex- pression than a glorious success, and is to be regarded as a high compliment to the intelligence and progressiveness of Saline county farmers. The discussions were an interesting feature, and brought out a great variety of experiences and views. Mr. Erwin’s ideas upon the question of finance as connected with country roads are sound, and we predict that this agitation will bear fruit in the very near fature. The interest taken by our farmers in the Institute indicates that they are beginning to regard agriculture as a science; not as a means , of making a precarious living. ' tatio. Prof. C. P. Fox spoke at length upon the “Chemistry of Stock Foods.” The statistics accompanying his lecture were of recent compilation, and were convincing in favor of a scientifically balanced Prof. Fox is quite a young man, but has made a life-long study of his chosen science, and is evidently thoroughly familiar with its every detail. Judge Samuel Miller, of Bluffton, lent dignity to the institute by his presence. In point of experience in orchard and vine culture the Judge is probably unapproached by any one in the Mississippi Valley. W.T. Hearne, of Independence, chairman at Tuesday’s sessiona, is a Kentuckian, and prior to coming to Missouri gained a national reputation as a wheat grower. He is known as the originator of “Hearne Wheat.” Judge W. R. McIlvaine, of near Phillipsburg, is one of the origt- nal movers in the Institute idea, and his presence always insures s successful meeting. The Mountain Grove Prospect says: The Institute discnussious and general exchange of ideas brought out many useful points relative to the noblest of all callings —farming, and we believe it will be prodactive of many good resulta. Prof. Keffer gave one of the most interesting and valnable lee tures of the entire session, on ithe diseases and care of on chards and garden fruits, together with a list of varieties best adapt- ed to our soj!l and climate. Judge J. H. Fulbright. for s responded to the address of we Mountain Grove and vici x years'a member of the State Board come. He eulogized the people of y and explained, in his pleasant way, the object and aim of the State Board in encouraging Farmer’s Inati- tutes, and the inestimable good they are accomplishing. He said that the one great object of these Iustitntes is to get the farm- ers—ihe bone and sinew of the country—interested and united in the elevating of their calling, and the reducing of it to a practical science. utensils ce ees ae TR CT SEIT eo