One Of Lima's Best Farmers

Amoiig the many excellent farmers of whicb the townshipof Limaabounds is Hon. Sampson Parker, who settled therein in 1833, and residing about three miles south of the Yillage of Dexter. His love for the calling in which he has spent a long life, now aged 63, is so strong, tliat, able as he i to retire and live quietly, freed from the exacting daily duties incimbent upon the management of a 220 acre estáte, türning it over tö sons competent to conduct it, he is loth to leavo the attractions of tlie old home. Ilis devotion to agriciilture is further ftttested by tbe fact that for many years, whilo other farmers who ought to possess an equal interest, and uawilling to spend a day to attend the annual exhibltion of the society, he hasgratuitously given his time and services to its prusidency requiring many days durinjf the year. Here, rnay we not ask the question: What a success the county fair would be if evcry farmer manifested an equal interest? And althongh he has retired from its lending position, it can be safely presmned his old-timo interest in its welfare will not be permitted to wane. Of the large farm tilled by Mr. Parker 40 acres are covered by woodland, the remainder put to the plow and pasture. Rarely ia one so well watered, a living stream passing tlirough, afforrling plenty of water int his stock. Still they are not permitted to run the risk of life by approaching lts icy banks in winter. From a windmiil, water is not only i'orced into his residence but conveyed by pipe to a tank to the yard where cattle can go and help themselves. Just below his bams natuiÜ has provided a spring from which tlfe fluid is likewise conducted through a pipe to a tank below, used only for sheep. By the way our friend prides himself especially upon 100 wethers and 50 ewes, all of Spanish stock, their uniform quality and constitution of the breed, none of which, or indeed anything grown by himself has he ever competed for premiums. Contrary to the practico of many farmers, Mr. Parker does not permit his sheep to mix with any other of his farm stock; and they are regularly fed and boused at night. ïhat noble animal - the horse - finds an admirer in Mr. P.- of poor and lazy, he will have none. Ilis stable is comprised of seven steeds, all of whom it it is pleasant to draw the rein over. There is the Clydedale, the Messenger, the Morgan blood - wbat better? Nor in cattle, will he take a back seat. Handsomer thoroughbreds are seldom seeu. Mr. Parker's barn is a credit to the farm. Sit down and figure its capacity when we give you its dimensions as 70x40, 16 ieet to eaves and gambrel roof; built at an expenso of $800, painted and rodded. The principal producís of the farm for 1880 wero 700 bushels of wheat, 1000 bushels of corn in the ear, 350 of oats and a large wool erop, together with 100 cords of wood for the Ann Arboi market. Being located within 8 miles of the city, 3 of Dexter, and 7 from Che'sea, the best prices for produce are taken advantage of. Mr. Parker has never been a seeker of oflice, vet his townsmen have elected him justice two terms, and the district to Lanslng in 18G7, where he served as tho only deinocrat on the committee on claims. And herein may be au item of historical interest. At the first meeting of the above committee, its chairman republican of course, said he would like to hear the opinión of the gentleman of the modest minority. upon the propriety of paying the thousandand-one claims growing out of the war, and presented for payment. Our representative arose, and stated his flrm opposition to paying any except those duly contracted for. Remaining memben indorsed tho opinión, and legislation on claims was accordingly shaped for the sossion. About tliis time the quostion of a new school-house arose in Mr. Parker's district. He desired to be re-elected, but, owing to complicatious arising out of the contemplated erection of a school-liouse in his district, which he hoped to have done for the benefit of his own and neighbors' children, his chances of renomination belng lessened thereby, he reüred from the field, preferringthe school-house to a second term at Lansing. That is tho reason why he was a one-term representative. Would that there were more men in tlie world like the Lima farmer.