Lye didn’t live long, didn’t make money, didn’t make a reputation, didn’t build up a big business, didn’t go into politics, didn’t follow any sports as a fad, and didn’t break into society. But it looks as if he enjoyed life while he lived.

Lye was contented to work for a living, to live in simple fashion, and to enjoy humble pleasures. He had a knack of getting along. When the shoe trade was dull he turned his hand to something else. He kept down his cost of living, for he farmed, fished and raised a pig. If anything around the house or shop needed repairs, he did it himself. He was an independent person. Yet he wasn’t selfish. He was always ready to give a helping hand to his neighbors.

He read the Book of Life, and believed it, according to his views. He lived according to his conscience, and he was a contented man through the days of his life.

Did he get more out of life than a fellow these days of complex ways. Who knows?

Transcriber’s Note:

Changes to the original publication have been made as follows: