When James was ten years old his father was suddenly removed by death.
His mother was then left to provide for the aged mother of her husband,
as well as her own little family, of whom the youngest was an infant of
a few weeks old. This was a weary and toilsome task. Neither of her sons
were old enough to render her any assistance on the farm, and the
slender income arising from it would not warrant the expense of hiring
needful laborers. She was obliged to lease it to others, and the rent of
her little farm, together with the avails of their own industry, became
the support of the widow and fatherless. With this she was still able to
send her children to school, and to give them all the advantages which
her retired dwelling allowed.

It was during these first years of his mother's lonely widowhood that
the tenderness and the loveliness of her son's character were brought
out to view. All that he could do to relieve her under her burden became
his delight. Though but a child, he was ready to make every sacrifice to
promote her comfort and happiness, and to gratify and console his aged
grandmother. Attention to his mother's wants from this time entered into
all his plans of life. Her interests and welfare were a part of his
constant thoughts. It seemed to be his highest earthly delight to
increase her happiness and to relieve her trials. He never forgot his
mother. He might be called "the boy who always loved his mother."
Beautiful trait of character! And God blessed him in his own character
and life, according to his promise. After he had gone from his native
home to enter upon the business of life, this trait in his character was
very constant and very remarkable. At a subsequent period, when his
younger brother was about leaving home to learn a trade, James wrote to
him, "Mother informs me that you intend learning a trade. I am very glad
of it, because I know that it will be advantageous to you. But before
you leave home, I hope you will endeavor to leave our dear mother, and