Fortunately father was at home, to mingle his tears with mother's, over the little coffin.
The next spring father sold his Iowa farm.
Before leaving there an incident occurred that I distinctly remember.
The Iowa Legislature had passed some kind of temperance law, and the people were to vote on it at the spring election.

Our country lyceum formed itself into a mock court, and tried King Alcohol for various crimes and misdemeanors.

Father was appointed prosecuting attorney, and he went at it in earnest, as he always did at anything he undertook.
He sent for every man in the vicinity who ever drank, or who had good opportunities to observe the effect of drink on others, to appear as a witness against King Alcohol.

The trial lasted three evenings, with Increasing crowds.

Father's adroitness in drawing facts from witnesses--often against their will--kept the Audience laughing and applauding.