Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1865-11-24
For the Free Pres /.
The Late Sion E. Howard.

The Late Sion E. Howard.
In the changes which time brings to neigh
borhoods and communities. we are struck and
arrested by the death of the young just entering
on the career Of active life; and hardly less i'm
pressiye is the sudden removal of the old citi-
gen whom we had been accustomed daily 70 meet,
and hardly to regard as even approaching "the
bourne whence no traveller returns" We can
hardly realize that heis gone.
Sion E. Howard was the oldest of the business
men of Burlington, and had been nearly con-
nected with all the local, social and business in
terests of the town and community-and while
proceeding with an improvement that was to
add to the wealth and beauty Of the place. he
was struck down. Conversing cheerfully with
his neighbors in the street-himself interested
and occupied with the plans he was executing
he passed into his house, and in five minutes,
they were told he had ceased to live. An event
so unexpected. happening too, at an age which
admitted of his looking forward to years of use
fitness and even enjoyment, is fitted to leave
upon Us all profound impression.
He was a resident of this place since 1Sl2-
the year his father removed to Burlington with
his family His father was Mr.. John Howard
a model Of industry and ntegrity-whose name
is never mentioned but with expressions of re-
spect and even veneration. He impaired to his
sons, Sion, Daniel and John, some of his best
qualities; and their success in life is the fruit OF
the maxims he taught, and the example he sci
them.
After being employed for some years as the
first teller IN the old Bank of Burlington, o.
which he was for many years director, he
became a merchant He sold his goods at small
profits and for cash dorR; and his example
contributed much to the establishment of thai
mode of dealing, at that early period, here anC
in tins vicinity He was one of the original
most active and jealous members of the Fir,
Department-helped to establish the Telegraph
Company-belongei TO the old Steamboat Com
panies in times that are pasta promoter Of ou
and of the College-and one of the original ad
vocstes and contributors to the Pioneer Shop
an enterprise that has had so important an in
fuence on the prosperity of Burlington. Sue
objects he always patronized and supported
and they are referred to here simply as indicat
ing his disposition to promote whatever conduc
ed to the public interest and improvements
all which Mr.. Howard cO-operated with our bes
citizens.
OF late years, he manifested deep and en-
Hghtened interest in our public schoos-visit
ing, addressing, and encouraging the pupils b
his kindly presence and exhortahons. lie ha:
in this matter, set an example worthy of a
appreciation and imitation by gentlemen Of year
and leisure. lie was always the friend and help
er ofsyoung men.
Eminenrly successful as a business man,
never vas accused Of hard, or unconscIentiou
action. His prosperity was the natural and ls
Ultimate result Of fair and honest business per
seyeringly pursuel-prosperity so attained wa
the object Of envy TO none.
Constitutionally genial, kindly and social. b
was the friend to all, and had no resentment
and no enemies. Having retired from activ
business, he was permitted to retain health sn
activity TO a considerable degree, and busie
himself in erecting mansion which would be
remembrance, at lesst,o him who built it. A.
and he hoped, doubtless, to be spared to EMO,
among them and his friends, years Of useful an
pleasant life. 1t was not to be-and his depart
ure from the earth and the mode of it. serve
impressively to remind US 'What shadows "
are and what shadows we pursue