E. C. Culbertson

Is it true, Spoon River,         That in the hall - way of the New Court House         There is a tablet of bronze         Containing the embossed faces         Of Editor Whedon and Thomas Rhodes?         And is it true that my successful labors         In the County Board, without which         Not one stone would have been placed on another,         And the contributions out of my own pocket         To build the temple, are but memories among the people,         Gradually fading away, and soon to descend         With them to this oblivion where I lie?         In truth, I can so believe.         For it is a law of the Kingdom of Heaven         That whoso enters the vineyard at the eleventh hour         Shall receive a full day's pay.         And it is a law of the Kingdom of this World         That those who first oppose a good work         Seize it and make it their own,         When the corner - stone is laid,         And memorial tablets are erected.