LANTZ GENEALOGY to even heed. It seems they had sweet potatoes planted in ridges right near the melon patch and Mr. Holler could scarcely go over them in the day time without falling and this was night. Well Mr. Holler ran home and told his wife he was sure Mr. Lantz was killed. He then got some lunch and ran off. Slept in the woods three or four days, then came back home to get more to eat. His wife thought she would tell him it was all a joke, but when he heard her he thought it was the officers and ran again before she could tell him. He told father one time he wanted a hive of bees and was going to steal them, as it was regarded as bad luck to buy them. He and a friend came one night for the bees, and after carrying them to his home, which was several miles away, and placing them to his liking was astounded to find the next morning an empty hive. Were I to put down what I heard he said this book would not be mailable. There were only two of us, my sister Cora and I and I think we are both chips off the old block. If I ever write another Lantz Book and I write of her you will hear some- thing. I'll spare her for the present. This is more than I could have hoped from her. As I said I was a little over 12 when I left home. Two or three months later father took sick, probably cancer of the stomach. The doctor said there was no hope, it was only a question of time. Finally our doctor wrote me he could not get well and he wanted to see his only boy. I reached home about a week before the end came. This ended the earthly career of a good father and I feel sure he awaits me on the other shore for if he is not there mankind has a slim chance. It may be interesting for the readers to know that Father was married twice, both times in October, and both wives entered their long rest in October. Sister and I were born in October. We buried him in the old Lantz Cemetery in October, the month that meant so much to him: So full of joys as well as sorrows. So I dedicate this book to him, my father, Jacob Lantz. vi