Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1864-12-30
OBITUARY,


v OBITUARY.
DIED, at his residence, in North Troy Dec a. Of
typhoid fever, after distressing sickness Of several
weeks, Hon. A JUDsoN RoWRLL, aged IS years.
Thus has fallen, in the meridian Of bis man
hood, one Of the ablest aud best known citi-
zens Of Vermont; and the intelligence will
carry surprise and sorrow far beyond the cir
Gle Of mourning relatives.
Mr.. Rowell was born in Waterville, La
mobile County, in November 1918. After
thorough primary and preparatory course at
New Hampton. n h., he entered the Univer-
sity of Vermont at an early age, designing to
devote himself to one of the learned profess
ions. But years excessive study induced
disease Of the eyes, which eventually COM
PEELED him to abandon his college course and
change his purposes for lite. Mercantile bu-
siness was adopted, and removing soon after
to North Troy, where he has since resided,
be followed hi' chosen occupation for about
fifteen years, with great energy, enterprise
and success. Several years since be retired
from his store, but not from al active general
business.
Perhaps Mr.. Rowell was better known to
The people of Vermont as politician than in
any other capacity. Coming upon the stage
just at the moment Of the formation Of the
Liberty Party, be espoused with his whole
mind and heart the grand idea of human free
DOMAIN idea sufficient to FIRE the heart Of
Henry, an Adams, Jefferson, and in later
times, Birney, Sumner, Chase. His
first political action was with that party, and
to its advocacy and up-building he gave free
" of his time his means, and his splendid
talents. Those familiar with the early his
tory of that organization will never forget
his jealous labors, bic touching appeals in
behalf of the oppressed, and his thrilling
demonstrations of the "irrepressibe conflict"
between freedom and slavery, which subse-
quent time has proved to be almost prophet
ic. And we can but be filled with awe and
reverence as we stand in the presence. or re-
call the memory, OF the few who, at that
early day, cast the moral horoscope with such
wonderful precision, and seemed possessed of
an almost superhumsn assurance that
The Of freedom should be crowned ri,h sunny
while now, in less than a quarter Of century
of time, or a generation of men, we can see
the splendid vision almost realized, and
whole land ongusd with fire freedoms harry
For several successive elections from the or
gsnization Of the Liberty Party, Mr.. Rowell
was its candidate for Congress, always carry
ing more than its full vote, from his univer-
sally-admitted fitness for the position. And
when, at a subsequent day, this little band,
by the silent 81 legitimate aggression of truth
upon error, and also the sudden accession Of
the Free Soil element, and still later Of the
Free Democracy, had grown into controll-
T ing majority, nothing prevented the election
of Mr.. Rowell to Congress but the very ques-
tionable policy, which has too often been
adopted, Of surrendering its tried and faith.
iful standard bearers for some favorite among
! the new-com content, IL its principles
could be espoused, to bes ow the rewards Of
, position elsewhere.
Among the many honorable and response.
bic trusts committed to him by his fellow-cit'
liens, we may mention that for several years
he represented his town in the House of Re-
representatives., his county in the Senate, and
also held the office of Bank Commissioner
for the State in 1861 and lS62-which posi-
ton he resigned to accept the appointment OF
; Commissary of Subsistence in the army. In
, ability to endure the climate compelled him
| to leave the army nearly two years ago. In
all these trusts he manifested degree of abil-
ity and fidelity highly creditable to himself
and gratifying to his friends.
) At an early age Mr.. Rowell made public
profession of faith in Christ by uniting with
/ the Baptist church-a connexion which he
: maintained till his death. Those who knew
him most intimately, knew best the strength
of his religious convictions and faith. This
} hope greatly sustained and comforted him az
the lamp Of life went out. Ever since the
; removal of the New Hampton Institution to
Fairfax, he has been its staunch friend and
patron, and, we believe, trustee.
D ar. Rowell leaves, to mourn their irrepar'
, able loss, devoted and accomplished wife
help-meet indeed land six children, the
Oldest lieutenant in the Sd VT. Battery
e May merciful Heavenly Father soothe theil
grief and wipe away their tears.
The hand of friend. who has known hin
/ intimately from childhood. and proved hiss tru'
heart every gear of his life, lays this imPerfec
e wreath upon his sepulchre. vainly shall WI
: look for another to stand in his place! P.