Wilmington daily commercial., 1873-07-02
Obituary.
RHODES HAzzARD-soME REMARKS ON HIS LIFE AND
DEATH.

RHODES HAZZARD-soME REMARKS ON HIS LIFE AND
DEATH.
The subject OF this tribute was born in Ango-
la Sussex county, Del, Oct. 1lth, 1906, and died
at Seaford, one Of its most honored and promi-
nent citizens, on Monday, June 23rd, 1878, being
nearly 81 years Of age.
lie was converted at the age of eleven, and
throughout his life at home and abroad engaged
in all the active duties and holy joys of church
membership ltill the hand of disease shattered
his frame, and led him tottering, though submits
sive, through four years and half to the hour
of his release.
As a class leader for forty years he demonstra-
ted how much can be accomplished by steady
devotion to his work, and an intense, though
qniet, experience. such as impressed and inHu-
enced those who We're under his charge.
For about thirty-tive years he was a licensed
cxhorter in the church, and gave proof in his
simple, though successful way, of tine grace that
had been given him to lead souls to the Savior.
Indeed, in any loficial position which he occu-
pied, the same gifts were noticeable. AS a
steward he was firm friend Of the ministers, and
many members of the Wilmington and Phadel-
phia Conferences will recall the warmth of his
welcomes, and the cheer Of his always open
homo. He was also,a Trustee, and stood iden-
titled with every phase of church Improvement
which was projected, after adding to his liberal
gifts the labor of his own hands that Zion might
not languish. In all this there was no ostenta-
ton or desire to be prominent on the contrary,
his work, like his character,w was unobtrusive and
humble.
The domestic graces, also were marked in
his character. He honored his family with his
warmest affection. aud thoughtful regard for
their comfort, He loved to be much in the
midst of the home circle, and thus won from
| those who composed it respect and reverence
| touching to behold. In his life he was gentle,
cheerful and full OF sympathy with a charity
| that spoke no evil of any and was always ready
| to suggest loving explanation OF any seeming
inconsistency in the lives of those about him.
He was ever looking on tho bright side and en-
oouraging others to do 80. The sick and needy
remember him. for he was always the foremost
| to visit and comfort them. Truly in these res
poets he was man Of extraordinary character,
| In his relations as a citizen he was public spir-
| tied and faithful desirous to subserve the pub
| lie good, but asking no emolument or position
/ at the hands Of his fellow citizens. He was a
peaCe-maker among his neighbors, and adjusted
many Misunderstanding by his counsels and
/ gentle suggestions.
| Nearly two years ago the shadow Of suffering
/ fell upon him. and after the first severe attack
| he was left with nervous debility and tremor
which continued till the last. Through it all
| never a murmur or a rebellious word escaped
/ his lips. His sickness for week before his
Il death was unusually severe. yet as lie neared
| the dark river he said-"I am claiming the
/ promise" Thus, leaning upon the words of the
| faithful God, like supporting arms, he walked
calmly out Of the gloom into the glory.
His funeral was largely attended on Wednes-
/ day, June 25th. The service was impressivey
conducted by Rev. W. Uric, his pastor, assisted
| by Rev. Messrs Moore Eversole and Thompson oil
| the NJ. L Church. So let him rest in hope till
| the day Of the resurrection. Il. II. M.