Pioneer history of Ingham County, compiled and arranged by Mrs. Franc L. Adams, secretary of the Ingham County pioneer and historical society.

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PIONEER HISTORY OF INGHAM COUNTY

authority and rod of punishment was his ox whip. When under
the influence of beer he would always take occasion to correct
some of the family and say, "Jake be boss." This Kaiser rule
led to his downfall. His eldest son, upon advice of a neighbor,
one day snatched the whip and gave his father a severe chastisemwnt. When he stopped his howling he found his whip, made a
polite bow as he handed it over to his son, saying, "You be boss,
Jaky be boss no more." His Kaiser rule was gone never to return.
Of the many boys that attended my school there is one who I
have watched with interest. I noticed him the first week. His
figure and appearance made me think of "Shocky" in the Hoosier
Schoolmaster. He was tall for his age, very slender, light-haired,
quiet in his ways, studious, drawled his words when he talked,
never got angry when jostled by the stronger boys, nor was boisterous in his games. His early manhood was a struggle, but patience and an earnest endeavor always won. He married, and he
and his wife were appointed superintendent and matron of our
county farm. This was a trying position for a young couple,
but patience, perseverance and hard work has won fame for them,
and they stand before the public today as peers or experts in this
kind of social reform and charitable work. Many a poor wreck
in the financial and social battle of life has been encouraged by
them to renew the fight and take up the battle again. Scores
have been cared for and their last days made easier and happier
by the kind administrations of these good people.
Without any exploiting he and his wife have done a great work
for the poor and unfortunate of Ingham county. Although done
on a small scale his work will compare favorably with some of the
great social reformers in our large cities. Many bless the day when
Elmer Fuller looked after their wants and administered to their
ailments, and he was the rock on which others leaned before they
crossed the dark waters.
North Lansing, August 12, 1919.