The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1864-04-08


was ten years old. He lived and died on
his fathers farm, and manifested his filial pi-
ETY. in taking good care Of his sodly parents.
He was the first man who signed the call
given to Rev. David Goodwil!e, July 5, 1890,
ard he constantly and punctually attended
mis- ministrations and those of his son and
successor, for nearly seventy-foar years. He
was early chosen deacon and afterwards an
elder and held office in the Presbyterian
church of Barnet for more than fifty years.
BY the people of Barnet he was highly es-
teemed and took high stand both in the
town and church. He was repeatedly chosen
to most of the chief Offices in town, which
he accepted with dihidence. By the state
government he was appointed a magistrate
for many years. He was chosen and COM
missioned as captain of the militia and was
highly esteemed as military officer. For
seven years-1S19 to 1928, 1880 and 1881
he was the representative of Barnet in the
legislature of Vermont, having been more
frequently chosen to this Office than any
other man in town since the Revolutionary
War. He was remarkable for his intelligence,
integrity, energy, activity and public spirit.
He was modest man, of great decision OF
character, but his judgment was clear and
correct, and his opinions were candid and
charitable. He had an uncommon ability
and facility to do business, and as the people
had the utmost confidence in his uprightness,
his transactions gave great satisfaction to all
who employed him. He was often chosen
umpire, and was blessed peacemaker in
restoring peace and harmony between the
parties at variance. He was fithful friend
and wise counselor. In religious duties,
public, domestic and private, he was dillgent
and punctual. In the last years Of his life
he confined his reading exclusively to search
ing the scriptures and the perusal of relig-
ious books, of which he had many of the
best kind. He refused even to read the
newspapers giving interesting and exciting
accounts of the present bloody war Of this
great American Rebellion to establish and
perpetuate human bondage in this enlight-
ened age and country, lest his mind should
be diverted from religious exercises and heav-
emily objects. His entire trust was upon the
grace of God flowing richly and freely through
the mediation and merits of the son Jesus
Christ. and he lived life of faith and holi-
ness. He retained his mental facul,iesl in
remarkable degree to the last.
In mis- person he was tall, upright and we'll
formed and proportioned. He generally en-
joyed good health, but in 1888 his thigh bone
was broken which lamed him for life, and
few years previous to this accident he was
thrown from horse, which produced wry
neck, which remained till death. His do
mestic Affections were peculiarly severe and
long continued. But all these trials with his
last sickness, which was severe, he bore in
the exercise of faith and patience and hum
BILE resignation to the will of God.
He was married to Agnes Somers, a SEN
sible and pious woman, who lived by faith
and was well Exercised unto godliness.
She died February 20, lS47, aged 66 years.
They had eleven children sons and six
daus shters. They were very careful in CIV
ing them religious education and setting
before them gody example. As the child
rem grew up they joined the church Of Christ.
Their son, Rev. Thomas Gilkerson, graduated
at Jefferson college, Pa, and was ordained
and settled in October, 1910, as the pastor Of
the churches of Conemauch and Warren, Pa,
where he labored acceptably and usefully
eighteen years. He died February 10, 1859.
Two sons and four daughters survive their
godly father. lie died Of erysipelas March
a. 1864, aged eighty nine years, eight
months and two days. T.a.
D. NIL IN 1904