The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1874-05-26
OBITUARY a.
EsoI,. Frederick button.

We have to record this morning the death
Of one Of the oldest, most prominent and
highly respected citizens of Rutland coun-
~. Hon. Frederick Button, of Clarendon.
lie was familarly known in the commit
nifty as a strong man of the old type of gen.
tcmcn, whom in these days 1t is pleas
IRE to meet. The cordially of manner,
native good sense, and pleasant conversa-
tonal powers made him favorte of mid
die aged and young men whom he was ac-
customed to greet with a smile and hearty
good will. Dea. Button was stricken
down by a paralytic stroke about four
weeks since, from which he partially re-
covered. The first was soon followed by
another which completely Frustrated his
physical powers, yet he was able to con-
verse with his friends, although with much
difficulty. The third shock proved too
much, even for his strong constitution, and
on Sabbath morning. May Oath, he peace
fully passed to the rest of the eternal Sab
bath, to which decree he expressed rcsigna-
ton. His last days ON earth were days of
peace and cheerfulncss.
lie was born March .. ITS, in log
house which was located a short distance
south of the dwelling in which he died.
This was the severe winter, which follow
cd Burgoync's invasion, when the scattered
settlers Of this section of Vermont were
suffering from the ravages of war, as well,
the depryations incident to the early set
Element OF this county.
His grandfather was one of the oldest
settlers of the town of Clarendon, having
come into the township in 176S, purchasing
his farm from the New York claimants.
The farm embraced not only the present
Button farm, but the one now occupied by
Nathan Smith, Esq, on the north, and the
farm now owned by G. NJ Townshend on
the south, besides large boundaries to the
east and west. Mr. Button was accustom-
ed to relate that his grandfather moved in
to town on horseback, his father then only
four years Old, riding upon the saddle be-
hind his grandmother. Although the land
was purchased from New York claimants
yet the family were always loyal to the
people of the New Hampshire grants and
carly became prominent in the town when
organized under the Wentworth charter.
Frederick Button in middle life occupied
a prominent position in the social, moral,
religious, business and political circles of
Rutland county, and exercised wide in
fluence. He was known to be man of
great uprightness, and decision of charac-
ter. These qualities commended him to
the respect and support of his fellow citi-
zens, at whose hands he received many po-
stions of honor and trust. He may be
said to be the founder of the present Rut-
elected its first president, serving three
years, when he was followed by his stead
fast friend, the late Deacon William l..
Farnham of Poultney, man of similar
stamp of character. He has served his
townsmen in various local offices, repre-
sented Clarendon in the legislature in the
year 1920, and was member of the Senate
from Rutland county in 1914 and 1915.
In 1922 he united with the Congrega-
tional church in Clarendon and was soon
after elected one of its deacons-a position
he held until his death. He was regular
and punctual attendant upon religious SER
vices untilil health prevented him. He was
a prominent member of the fraternity of
Free and Accepted Masons having united
with Social Lodge of Clarendon, and was
its Master during the days of anti-masonry
he was the earnest coadjutor of DR. Silas
Bowen in promoting its interests. He re-
manned faithful and true to masonry dur
ing its dark days, and however fiercely the
storms beat about the institution, he stood
by it, like pillar of strength and beauty.
mont he was active in the work of re-or-
gani2ation. He was the first master of
Chapman Lodge No. SO of Wallingford and
was a member of that lodge at the time of
his death, retaining his love and respect for
the institution even until the sands of life
were ebbing out.
Born during the storm of the revolution,
ending all the hardships peculiar to that
early period, his character was moulded in
a form that enabled him to bear with equi-
namnity the responsibilities of life which
early fell upon him. The eldest of the
family, the other children looked to him
as guide and always found in him safe
counsellor. Only two ofhs fathers family
of nine children survive, Hon. Harvey But
ton of Wallingford and Mrs. Wiley of In
diana.
He married Elizabeth Rogers in 1910,
who died in 1864, having seven children,
five of whom survive him, Mrs. Nathan
Smith Of Clarendon, Hiram II. Button of
Clarendon, Emiline, widow of Perry
Smith of Walingford. Mrs Elias Stewart
and Mrs. w. Gurley Marsh of Clarendon,
and Mrs Thomas Pierce, another daughter,
died just one year ago lie leaves seven
teen grand children and several great grand
children.
In his death, his family mourn beloved
parent and safe counsellor the town of