I would that young Gottlob, now living at Ramah, might turn out as
good a man as his late namesake. Let me take you to old Gottlob's
grave, and there tell you the story of himself and his family. The
little "God's acre" is scarcely an acre, and it should be enclosed.
Flat slaty stones, suitable for wall, lie around in abundance, brought
down by the avalanche, which a year or two ago endangered the station,
but happily did no more damage than destroy the powder-house and
devastate the burial-ground. Kegs of powder and tombstones were
carried far out on to the ice of the bay. Most of the latter were
recovered unbroken and replaced, and among them the one of which we
are in search. Here it is, a simple square slate tablet of touching
interest. The Eskimo inscription informs us that Gottlob was born in
1816. He was the child of heathen parents at Nachvak, and grew up in
paganism. Presently he came under the influence of the Gospel and was
baptized at Okak, exchanging his heathen name of Nikkartok for the
Christian name which his subsequent life adorned.
__________________
| |
| GOTTLOB.
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