In May of 1867 Courtland gives up his soul to God. Don’t assume that this young man is all seriousness: he has a lovely sense of humour and openly puts his feelings on paper. In 1866 his father dies and thereafter he helps his mother run the farm and is quite protective of her. For example, he’s not keen on a man who comes courting her. Amidst farm work and hiring labour, he expresses his desire to find his own sweetheart. He keeps a diary until he dies.