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---Dr. Whitman,
A Tribute to His Memory---
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This man's name should be revered by all, yet many who view the monument raised to the honor of his name know little or nothing of his real merits.
He was by nature kind, generous, free hearted, and had the true philanthropic love for his fellow beings.
He was imbued with a deep religious piety that was impressed upon all who came in contact with him, and inspired in all a sincere zeal for Justice and right which, combined with a noble patriotism, made the love of country next to the love of the Great Creator of the universe.
He braved the dangers of wild and hitherto unexplored regions that his life work might better the conditions of humanity in those places and the Redeemer's name be revered throughout all the borders of bis native land.
In personality he was rather undersized and in physique neat and trimly built, and would weigh about 150 pounds. He had keen dark eyes, dark br,own hair and was thoroughly energetic and self reliant.
He was ever alert and of quick comprehension and when warned of the dangers that threatened the lives of himself and those with him he decided to depend entirely upon his skill in dealing with such surroundings so made no preparations for defense, although it is known that he had prepared to take Mrs. Whitman and the others of their household to a place of safety in a day or two.
From the time of his advent in the Oregon territory to the day of his dramatic death In the Whitman massacre, at the hands of the savages whom he had done so much to help, both religiously and in earthly ways, no man could rightly accuse him of a dishonorable deed or inspiration. I am one among the few who will survive those trying times and as I recall the greatness of his life work I feel like esteeming him as one of our nations heroes who is not dead but gone before.
SARAH J. CUMMINS