He was no longer strong enough for the hard outdoor life.
Timothy Hinman and his sisters came forward when the Overseers of the Poor began to look into the peddler's affairs.

These dutiful children wanted to be sure to obtain whatever might be their share of their father's belongings.
Timothy and his sisters obtained their full shares---nothing.
The Overseers of the Poor found that they could effect an arrangement by which the peddler's home, his horse and wagon, stock and good will could be sold for four thousand dollars.
This was done.

With half the money Reuben Hinman was able to purchase his way into a home for old men.

Here he will be maintained, without further expense, as long as he lives, and he will live in a degree of comfort amounting, with this simple-minded ex-peddler, to positive luxury.
The other two thousand dollars, at the suggestion of the Overseers of the Poor, was spent in buying an annuity from a life insurance company.

This annuity provides ample spending money for Reuben Hinman whenever, in fine weather, he wishes to go forth from the home and enjoy himself in the world at large.
Timothy has been forced to go to work as a valet.