Improvement Era, 1907 by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Religion

A Pioneer Apostle.

Most persons remember the late Abraham Owen Woodruff for his kind and genial disposition. Few that have seen him but can recall his open, radiant face, in which all tender traits seemed to converge and find a fitting expression.

But he did not lack in those sterner qualities which are equally necessary to a well-rounded character. Several incidents which occurred during the time he directed the Big Horn colonization work, show that he possessed great strength and courage. It was not an unusual thing during the building of the great canal to see Owen Woodruff off his horse, holding plow or scraper, that the discouraged might take heart by his example.

Once the colonists seemed on the point of being defeated in their efforts to complete this watercourse, thirty-five miles long, which had been begun two years before. They looked longingly back to the fertile fields and comfortable homes they had exchanged for this desert waste, weary and sick at heart with the long struggle. At this critical time Brother Woodruff arrived from Salt Lake City. Sensing the situation he called a mass meeting. Those who attended will never forget the power and determination with which he spoke.

Said he, "Before I see this colony fail, I will stay here and follow a scraper ten hours a day, until the last load of dirt is dragged from the bottom of the canal." And every man in the house knew that Owen Woodruff meant what he said. But they were not the men to permit him to do any such thing. His example had inspired them in the past, and it inspired them now, and with one mind they resolved to finish the work. H. C. SNELL.

Provo, Utah.

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