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beauty that 'tis scarce equalled and not surpassed in all the State.

"This valley has been peopled by a race, industrious and patriotic, which loves our country, reverences our institutions, and would die to preserve them." I am glad he did not live to see the day when many young Americans do not love their country and attack its institutions daily.

Father often was called upon to be the speaker at public events or celebrations marking the national holidays. Thus he became well known throughout Sonoma County and it was not long before his friends began talking to him about entering public life. He was still principal of the school where he had met my mother they persuaded him to run for County Recorder. He won and served in that office for four years. Next, he ran for the more important office of County Clerk. In his campaigning he sometimes put me on the platform when he made a speech. It was exciting to look out across what seemed to be a sea of faces, all listening to my father. I almost burst with pride. There was never