Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 22, Number 87, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 July 1901 — The Parson as a Pacemaker. [ARTICLE]

The Parson as a Pacemaker.

Rev. Elijah Kellogg did not confinehis good works to the composition of “Spartaeusr” and the preparation of capital books for boys. He was foremost in practical benevolence, an® never so happy as when helping out bin neighbors. One Sunday morning, Jus* before the sermon, he made this announcement: . ‘‘The Widow .Tones’ grass is getting pretty long.. I shall be there with my scythe, rake and pitchfork at 4 o’clock to-morrow morning, and I hope every male.member of my congregation will be there, too.” In answer to this broad hint the Widow Jones’ field was well filled the Bert morning. Among the volunteers was a Captain Griggs, who stood six feet twoin his stockings, and weighed abont two hundred and fifty pounds. “Parson,” said he, “look out for me. I’m goin’ to cut your corners this nwroin’.” ' r ": ■' Mr. Kellogg was a small man, weighing barely one hundred and thirty pounds, but he was an old hand with, the scythe, and before long the captain, lay under a tree, knocked out by tii» pacemaker. And the “parson” used totell the story with great glee, always concluding with: “He didn't cut my corners that morning.”