Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1865-11-17

For
OBITUARY.

u
the residence Of his son-in-lsw. H s. LOOMS,
Esq, after two or three days illness from an
apoplectic affection, JOSHUA TWING, Eso.,
Of Barre, 10 the S2d year Of his age.
Mr. living was a native OF wilbrAhsm,
Mass. Developing in early life love Ct me-
chanics, he was apprenticed to a mdchinsst.
where, BY his genius, his industry and iuteg-
ti,y, be laid broad and deep the foundations
Of his future eminence, both as mechanic.
and as man. For more than half century
be has resided az Barre, and 80 successfully
has he devoted himself to his chosen pursuit,
OF mill building. that he has long stood with
out rival; aud not only his own model mill
at Barre, but the vast number be has con-
structed Throughout, tue county, will endure
as monuments Of his mechanical skill and
judgment long after he shall have passed
away. But much more fitting epifsph will
be found in the stricken hearts Of scores q
mechanics, scattered all over the country,
whose proud boast it is that they learned,
not only the rudimenis of their trade, but al
so Of their manhood, in the school of Father
living. SO fondy did he cling to bis chosen
pursuit that he l-bored with his own hat DIS
up TO The last week OF hi. life.
Like most men Of his time, Mr.. Twing's
opportunities in early life we're limited. He
was EN- hs,ically self.made. But the moment
success began to crown his labors for himself.
he turned thoughtfully to his parents, who
were in limited circumstances, aud through
all their declining years he provided for their
support and comfort with all the tenderness
Of a mo her. In this respect his example
was like that Of Joseph to his father Jacob
and the same cup OF kindness came back to
cheer his declining years. from the hands Of
his own children.
A great general reader, and possessed Of a
remarkable memory, his naturally strong
mind became at length well stored with the
valuable things which are gathered from
books and especially was he thoroughly in
formed in respect to the current events Of the
day. But in all his reading, no book was 20
thoroughly studied, or so sactedy cherished,
as the Bible, and its great truths were held
with an unwAvering faith: though he never
saw f. to make a public profession Of re-
llgion.
Politically, Mr.. living was Henry Clay
whig Of the s,rictes, sect, and gloried 10 the
creed Of his gallant leader; but, unlike
most Of the od-sehool gentlemen of that
creed, be kept even step with the march Of
events, lsboriog heartily and hopefully for the
crushing cut Of the great rebellion, and es-
pecislly for the utter determination Of slavery,
which be came to regard not oLly as the NOV
ing cause Of the war, bat the browning shame
Of the nation. Scorning all the arts Of the
political demagogue, and uttering boldly
what be though, Of public men and measures.
Mr.. living never sought or possessed official
distinction.
dealings, and generous to a fault, he never
amsssed an over grown and il-gotten for
tune, to torment his last days, and curse his
memory still. leaving an ample estate, a.
the result Of a long life Of unremitting in
dustry and personal prudence. which is rem
dered doubly valuable by the respect Of all,
and embslmed with the richest blessings OF
the poor. And thus we come to speak OF
what constituted his browning glory for his
great skill as an artisan, his strong intellect.
his iron will, and his enviable business repu-
tation, all dwarfed into insigni6cance beside
his great, warm, generous heart. Not alone
I his own family or relatives was this trait
manifested to remarkable degree. bu. for a
whole lifetime did he and his cherished wife
dispense their charities with a liberal hand
and not until long after this generation shall
have passed away shall it be that gres'
multitude will fail u rise up and call them
blessed. A fsvorite custom with him was,
to encourage poor young men to learn
trade, and then, with good character and =
dilligent hand for capital, to work their way
to honorable distinction; and large numbers
OF eminent business men. 10 widely separated
portions OF the land, ss they read this sad in
tsllgence, will drop tear to the memory Of
him to whom they owe so much.
The loss Of his only son in early life,
and especially the death OF his worthy
and life-long companion durinS the past year,
threw a cloud over his otherwise buoyant
spirits, which has at last deepened into the
shadow Of death.
Wbea such men die, the whole community
unite to do them homage: but, alas, how few
learn the great lesson. that only by thus liv-
ing can they be thus remembered.