Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1865-01-06
Death of A. j. Rowell.

manhood, one OF n ablest and best
known citizens of Vermont; and the in
telligence will carry surprise and sorrow
far beyond the circle Of mourning rela-
tives.
Mr.. Rowell was born in Watervills,
Lamoille County, in November 1873
After thorough primary and preparato-
ny course at New Hampton, N H., be
entered the University of Vermont at an
early age, designing to devote himself to
one of the learned professions. But
years excessive study induced disease
of the eyes, which eventually compelled
him to abandon his college course and
change his purposes for life. Mercantile
business was adopted, and removing soon
after to North Troy, where he has since
resided, he followed his chosen occupa--
ton for about fifteen years, with great
energy, enterprise and success. Several
years since he retired from his store, but
not from an active general business.
Perhaps Mr.. Rowell was better known
to the people of Vermont as Politician
than in any other capacity. Coming up
on The stage just at the moment of the
formation of the Liberty Party, he es-
poused with his whole mind and heart
the grand idea of human freedom-an
idea sufficient to fire the heart of Hen.
ry, an Adams, jefferson, and in later
times, Birney,a Sumner, a Chase
His FIRST political action was with that
party, and to its advocacy and up>build-
ing he gave freely Of his time, his means,
and his splendid talents. Those familiar
with the early history of tina. organiza-
ton will never forget his jealous labors,
his touching appeals ia behalf of the ops
pressed, and his thrilling demonstrations
o the "irrepressible conflict" between
freedom and slavery, which subsequent
time has proved to be almost prophetic.
And we can but be filed with awe and
reverence as we stand in the presence, or
recall the memory, Of the few who, at
hat early day, cast the moral horoscope
with such wonderful precision, and seem
ed possessed of almost superhuman as
surance that
q he harvest fields Of freedom should DO crown.
cd with sunny sheeni"
while now, in less than a quarter OF q
century of time, or a generation of men,
We can see the splendid vision almost
'ealized, and
The whole broad land is tongued with fire on
freedoms harvest day"
For several successive elections from the.
organization Of the Liberty Party, Mr.
2Owell was its candidate for Congress,
'lways carrying more than its full vote,
rom his universally -admitted fitness for
lie position. And when, at subse-
luent day, this little band, by the silent
Z legitimate aggression OF truth upon
rror, and also the sudden accession of
he Free Soil element, and still later of
he Free Democracy, had grown into
ontrolling majority, nothing prevented
he election of Mr.. Rowell TO Congress
nj the very questionable policy, which
as too often been adopted, of surrender>
ng its tried and faithful standard bearers
Or some favorite among the new corners
content, if its principles could do es-
oused, to bestow the rewards of position
lsewbere.
Among the many honorable and re-
ponsible trusts committed 70 him by bis
allow citizens, we may mention that for
sveral years he represented his town in
re House of Representatives, his county
| the Senate, and also held the office of
'ank Commissioner for the State in 1861
nd l862-which position he resigned to
,cept the appointment of Commissary of
ubsistence in the army. Inability to
ldure the climate, compelled him to
ave the army nearly two years ago.
! all these trusts he manifested a degree
ability and fidelity highly creditable to
mself and gratifying to his friends.
AT an early age Mr.. Rowell made
lblic profession of faith 10 Christ by
,iting with the Baptist church-a con-
,xion which he maintained till his
ath. Those who knew him most init
aiely, knew best the strength of bis re-
,ious convictions and faith. This hope
eatly sustained and comforted him as
e lamp of life went out. Ever since
e removal of the New Hampton In
tuition TO Fairfax, be has been its
lunch friend and patron, and, VIC believe
lstee.
Mr.. Rowell leaves, to mourn their ir-
parable loss, devoted and accomplish
wife--a belp-meet indeed,-and six
ildren, the oldest lieutenant in the Sd
Dattarv Mav q noercifuI Haavaniv