4 I am not certain that I mentioned anything about father s death in my previous notes It occurred on Dec 2d 1878 his illness
lasted near three months his death was not untimely or unexpected his labor was done and he was awaiting the rest that remaineth
for the people of God I send you a pamphlet with a notice about a month since one of my aunts died 3 day after fathers death
Mrs Trouts brother died and two weeks ago we attended her father s funeral Altogether makes up quite a record of family mortality
in quite a short time If this letter is more than usually reflective the reason is obvious Since fathers death I have been
receiving good letters from absent sisters hinting very plainly that I ought to come to the front and occupy the breach where
once stood the fallen in the army of Christ the one who best could have filled it has fallen earlier in the fight that is
John whom we all miss much more than father Edward only partially fills his place fathers is still vacant and may remain so
but believe each of us will according to his own ability and his own way deleted: will work for the cause of the Redeemer
and the good of humanity in margin: 422 Well John I have written quite lengthy but am not much nearer the end than when I
began so I may as well stop for this time Hoping to hear from you soon I remain as ever your friend W. H. Trout in margin:
Our shop is on time again this winter all over our country there seems to be two machines to do the work of one 00775 1
Peterboro Feb 14th 1878 Dear Friend John You will find enclosed Draft for 92.00 my half your account Charles wrote me
about a week ago that he had been trying to make up his for some time past but had not succeeded and did not see any very
imediate prospect at doing it: advised me to send on which I am now at length doing Dating this letter suggests to my mind
the fact this is the last day of my 44th year tomorrow being my 45th birthday also that it is 12 years the latter part of