DEATH OF “OLD JOHN” - 1871

COURTNEY

Posted By: Cheryl Locher Moonen (email)
Date: 11/12/2015 at 11:32:03

DEATH OF “OLD JOHN,” – When we hear of a man who acts humanly towards dumb animals, we feel like showing him up as a sample for savage and vicious people to pattern after, and having such a one in view relate his case and call attention towards a member of the brute creation. “Old John” was a name given to a horse Mr. Edward Courtney had owned for 25 years, and made one of a span; the other being about the same age. Sam and John had been true and faithful servants of their master for that period, working on the farm and hauling loads to and from the city, the farm being seven miles from town, on what was formerly known as the Dixon place. They never ran away, were always sure, and any member of the family could drive the horses singly or doubly with the utmost safety. A few years ago John became blind, and his health being good, he was continued in service. Last spring he was deemed too old to work any longer, and in consideration of his past services, was turned loose in the field to live as long as he would. He was not, forever, neglected, for his master, and in fact the entire family thought too much of old John to let him suffer. “Nubbins of corn, potatoes, apples, and other delicacies were carried to him by the children, and having a hay stack to feed from at will, he did not suffer from hunger. All this time he appeared to enjoy good health and ate his full rations. The other morning old John was discovered dead by the hay stack with a wisp of hay in his mouth. His life had flickered out while he was eating, and old age was the only cause of his death. Even in death he was not to be neglected. A deep grave was dug where he lay, and into it he was rolled, with a bale of straw beneath and a covering of the same material above him. A board tombstone marks the spot where he reposes all that remains of old John. His mate Sam, he placed on the retired list, and will soon go the way of all ---ab.

The Herald, Saturday, October 28, 1871