Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1871-01-11
Edwin Hammond.

and practical Wool growing, aud whose noble
Merinocs began to attract public attention in
1850, passed away to a higher life on the last
day Of the closing year, with eamness and
composure For some weeks Mr.. Hammond
had been failing, and it was evident to all
who saw him, that at the age Of 20 it was
doublfal whether he could recover from the
fearful disease with which he was afflicted /
Death came at last, relieved him from bis
pains and trials and translated him from the
earthly to the heavenly home. Seldom have
we witnessed more solemn assembly OF
mourners for all present felt that they were
mourners having lost the earthly companion
ship of a truly good and noble man.
We are indebted to Henry Clark, Esq
editor Of the Rutland Herald, for some ox-
tracts from well.wrtien eulogy on this dis
tinguished Vcrmonter
The name Of Edwin Hammond has long
been familiar to our readers as that of one Of
the foremost and ablest standing in the list OF
agriculturalists, and in the department to
which he devoted his labors, he was ezceled
by no living American. As man and a cit
izen his memory will be cherished by all who
knew him long and well, as it will be houored
by al who are ready to do homage to a true
man, wherever he may be found, by all who
can reverence patient industry, and indepen.
dent thought aud scientific observation, in
whatever section he was known. When such
an individual passes away, We eau but pause at
his tomb, and listen to the voices that come
up to US from the reeeding past, speaking Of
his labors aud virtues.
In form he was erect, his countenonce ami.
mated. His very walk, his first appearance
told the stranger that he was no ordinary
man. In manner he was diguifed, courteous
aiiable and unassuming, with a simplicity of
character and taste. His was character
built up amid varied and somewhat severe
discipline The exterior man presented an
example of entire simplicity and freedom from
pretence in his air and bearing, and yet al
marked and natural dignity. At glance
one saw that he was a man OF great strength
and force of character-a man Of great roso-
luton and moral courage. Cool cautious,
conservative in the genera. tone Of mind, he
failed at times to win quick approval. His
opinions in respect to most subjects on which
he bestowed attention were clearly, sharply
defined, and held with great tenacity. His
prejudices, like his temperament and charac-
ter, were decided and strong.
He was man of remarkable hrmness Of
character and Of principle, and this inclined
him to be tenacious Of his opinions, and &c
hold fast to his conclusions 1t was some
times thought that, ouce having made up hi
mind, he was obstinate in his adherence t
the result. Perhaps at times he was, bu
we have seen him yield in the simplicity o
a child. But it should be remembered tina
he rarely, if ever, and probably in no impor
tant matter, reached his conclusions excep
by deliberate thought, aud never through
what was merely polite or oxpcdient. II
was a man Of distinguished prudence, and o
the most manly kind, the result of natura
good feeling and intuitivc good sense.
Gifted with strong powers Of mind and wit
temperament qualified to use them well, b
yet POSSESSED a peculiar sensitycncss to tn
assumption Of public responsibility and shran
from public display. He especially ey
denced spirit which often escaped the supe
utiul bhHtiNtit uNNNt " hHHuiHN lNolbhaiblliA
he might not be able to satisfactorily di,
charge. He was not, therefore, ambitious
place, and if he accepted Office it was NJ
from the impulses of ambition. He was
man of public spirit in whatever he deeme
served the community.
He quietly encouraged the young ma
struggling with adverse circumstances, and
has put many one on the road to succe
and fortune by his advice and counsel. II
friendships were ardent aud lasting I'll
hearts of his friends were safely trusted
him. Time or untoward changes ma,
with him no difference. lie who once W,
his friendship, unless proved to be unworth
enjoyed it for life
Ii is difficult to speak of his powers wit
out seeming extrayagant to those who HI
not the opportunity of judging for themselv'
He lived long enough in the public eye
secure just and fair estimate of his cha
acter. To say that he had none Of the
iirmities which have chung to all nen won
be ascribing too much 10 say that he ney
erred in opinion or in action would be
venture what no man can venture to say
another. But towering above these errC
and infrmities, whatever they werc whiC
however magnifed to the fault finding e,
disappeared from the friends, there were v
tues and services that the world will not vi
ingy let die, which will make still bic
ing TO it in death as be was a beneiactor &c
in life.
But we have said enough, perhaps
much. We have written through the i
pulse of warm, deep love, aud from m
thankful heart for the privilege of frendsl
with such faithful friend thankful
his excellent, invaluable, spirit Of coun
so long enjoyed -thankful for the lesson
his life.
We forbear to speak Of him in his hor
that sphere from which he will be so sa,
missed that place now SO hsllowed by
tenderest and holicst memories in his fam
and large circle of friends where the wife
bis choice eau look back through the vista
five and forty years of blessed union in j
and sorrows, in hope faith and duty VIII
his children and childrens children can 20
to a sacred shrine, and recall so many oc
sions which make the heart beat quicker
think upon; where so many that have sha
1t will remember his generous hospitality,
frank, cheerful, manly bearing as the heaC
his household and their host.
Mr.. Hammond was one of the first to
put in being the State Agriculture Scott
and was prominent member, ever eyincin
great interest in its perpetuity and Welt
He was the representative from Middleb
In the General Assembly Of Vermont in |
and 1859, and was on the Committee of W
aud Means at both sessions lie was
gate from the lst Congressional Distric
the Republican National Convention that
semblcd at Baltimore in 1864, which no
mated Lincoln and johnson. His colleag
were Solomon Foot, H. p. Walton, A.
Huntoon, Carolus Noyes, A. u. Gard
Horace Fairbanks, b. W. Barthoom
Bradley Barlow aud Henry stOwell He