Transcription:
2 good architect, but he is not in shape to enjoy it, but we hope that by the spring at least he will be all right. I am
not working this winter; with the manager so long absent from business, new work did not come in to the office, so an extra
draughtsman was not needed. So I am at liberty to write long letters, or do whatever else I please; so I have determined that
I will finish a family history, that was begun 20 years ago. I shall now for some time be in a reminiscent mood, like you
in your wilderness stories. In writing you last spring, I stated that if strength remained good, I might visit you in 1915.
You replied to me, not to put it off so long, that we were too near sundown. The strength keeps up fairly yet, I realize that,
and did for a time contemplate a next summer journey; but last summer I loaded up the future, which is not usual with me;
also helped my son here, and a daughter besides, near to my limit; and my roaylty payment this winter not being as large as
expected, also not earning, I shall require to defer that pleasant journey, till next year at least. I am putting in a large
part of my remaining energy into church work. Our first church in Milwaukee got into a little hard luck spiritually, rather
than financially, and being the senior elder it pulled rather hard on me. Also the young second church is erecting a fine
church building, to which I contribute. Here in Lufkin our small but energetic congregation has also elected me senior elder,
so that according to the old time brethern, you knew in Meaford, I would be sadly degenerated into something like a metropolitan
bishop. Well one of the advantages of age is that one becomes indifferent to small criticism. it never worries me when I know
I am right and am doing good. In church work here the women are the workers, the men are of small account. There are only
3 or 4 real live men in the congregation. In Milwaukee it is similar; the few men are more active 05376