Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1863-05-15
gIattbman Y stair Oomual.
BY 3. p walton
MoNrpEL1ER, MAY Is. 1868.
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The life and character Of the late Joseph llowes
Of this village, deserves more extended notice
than has vet been given. lie was one Of the ear
lest citizens Of this village and had always been
prominent ia support of It's best welfare lie
should not be allowed to pass of from the stage
without a record.
Joseph Howcs WIS born in Lebanon, Conn,
ON the 25ih day of March, 1883. and died at Mont
pelicr, VI. ON the 2Gth Of April. 1868. His IA
Their. family removed to Norwich, in 1883, when
he was but six years Of age. From Norwich he
came to runbrdgc in this State in lsO7, aud ro-
moved thence 20 Montpelier in 1905, in the 10Th
year Of his age. lie has resided in this place
since that time In 1905 hc was married 10 Miss
Patty Wilder Of Norwich. They have had large
family Of children, seven Of whom ART now living
and occupying positions of high social character
both in che church and in the state. Ills entire
life, till his declining years summoned him to re-
tircmcnt, was employed in the severe and laborous
duties Of the trade, and in the daily pursuit Of bis
calling he has acquired an influence in the village
which was felt for good every department. llc
was a member Of the Legislature nom this town
in 1918, aud Assistant Judge Of the County Court
for seven years. lie was in the war Of 1872 aud
served as Adjutant with troops ON the Northern
frontier during that struggle
The second year Of his residence in this village
he assisted in the formation Of the First Congre
gational Church IN This place, and was one Of il
original seventeen members Since that day h,
has been steady and constant supporter Of tl,'
church and society with which he then connectct
himself, and has been irreproachable in all hl
social and christian relations lie was not mar
! Of impulse and sentiment, and was never carried
away by religious excitement or enthusiasm, bu
/ his religion was earnest and genuine. He evei
subjected himself to the control Of deep and un
changing religious principle, and always won 70
himself the confidence of his associates for hi
I wisdom aud picty and siacere devotion to th
cause Of his Master
{ He possessed a very strong and forcblc charac
ter. He had great decision and resolution o
will and was a man Of unsullicd integrity. IL
never swcrycd from his convictions, aud havin
once made up bis Judgment he was not in the hah
il of DETECTING from it for any of policy o
expcdieucy. lie uniformly commanded the IT
spect and confidence Of his fellow citizens 70
his high moral principle his practical sagacit
and intelligence and hi, incompatible honesty.
There are bat few men whose lives show so blame
less q record
His last years were chcercd by the Christia
hopes he had so long held, and after protraoto
period OF unusually faithful and useful service
every relation Of lite hc occupied, he departe
quietly 20 receive the reward Of his faith. "A
other of those few living bonds which connect tn
present day with tine early history Of our village
is thus forever suudered, and soon every vital ii
will be cut, and the remote period Of the settle
nent Of our town will become not a matter Of re,
objection to any, but Of tradition and history I
all OF us.