The Middlebury register. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1850-1882, 1877-10-19


The while we never remember;
How soon our life here
Grows old with the year
That dies with the next Decemheri
Herrick.
To write the biography of an honest.
moral and industrious man is not only
to honor bis memory, but at the same
time render real service to society;
for in tracing and calling back to mind
the good deeds, the gentlcmanly de-
pertinent, the energy and constancy of
man, who for years followed con-
scientious and successful business with
out stain of trickery and villainy, is to
teach those who wish to follow the same
path, the sure way of arriving at de-
sirable end, and of what value in life is
a reputation honorably acquired.
1t is with that double intention that
we wish to trace here, in few lines,
what is most worthy of our attention in
the life of one who certainly will be long
remembered in this vicinity, not only
as successful business man, but as one
who left behind such good and honora-
BILE record of solid, moral and social vir-
tues.
In the death of George Sherman.
which occurred OH the 9TH of September
1877, Moriah lost one of her most sue
ccssful and sagacious members, and the
community at large one of its most ex-
emplary and prudent bcncfactors. The
history of the seventy-six years of his
life was the history of Moriah
He was self-madc man in the full
meaning that these words imply. lie
received that degree of instruction the
facilities of the times could afford, but
in exchange for high education he i'm
bibed from youth that knowledge of
self-dcpcndence, industry and modera-
ton in all things, which is far more use
full for an every day practice i'm life than
all the degrees of education would be
without those qualities.
He carried to the last that simplicity
so peculiar to true merit and valor.
which is so little thought of nowadays
as quality to arrive at success.
For those who were intimately ac-
quaintcd with him it will always be do
ing them good to call back to memory
the tall, wcll-formed and vigorous gen
tleman, unassuming and at the same
time of noble bearing.
For us, who knew him so well. we
were always pleased to see him and sa-
lutte him as Mr.. Sherman, as a man of
merit and wealth; but without deviat-
ing from that respect, his congenialtv
always allowed us to use that more IA
miliar appellation of "Uncle George" ;"
for in him the perfect gentleman was
admirably blended to that simplicity of
a rural life.
To hear and read the testimonies of
respect from men in important business
either in this vicinity or from large cit
les, we may justly say that George Sher-
mau has always proved himself pru-
dent, reserved, scrupulous and honest
business man in all his dealings and
transactions with everyone.
The laboring class ALWAYS found in
him sincere and devoted friend, for he
himself had learned from hard labor in
his early days how to appreciate the val
ne of economy, the merit of industry in
others, and how to reward it.
His ears were never closed to the
wants of the poor, the sufferers and af-
ficted. lie knew how to alleviate, to
succor and help, with that delicacv so
peculiar to true charity. How many,
who can now testify to his acts of be-
ncvolcncc and generosity?
1t is hard to be in need or poverty; it
is still harder to be obliged to ask or beg
i'll those circumstances, but what is
worst of ell, and most humiliating, is to
be forced to receive from any one, when
you feel that it is done in spirit of os-
tentation, and that your position is used
as tool for sclf-praise.
But with Mr.. George Sherman it was
not so; and it is perhaps the reason why
so many are ignoring the real and true
merit of such conduct in these days of
humbug, show and internal appear
ances. Also, they were sincere and elo-
quent, those marks of respect and es-
TEEN paid by every one without distinc-
ton, and especially the poor, towards
him at his funeral.
Education in Moriah has lost friend.
an associate and protector, but his gem
erosity has supplied in some measure
this permanent loss, by endOwing an
academy which not only bears his name,
but is largely and literally supplied
with the generous gifts which he has be-
slowed and permanently secured for its
usefulness and prosperity.
1t is matter of regret to contemplate
that in the death of such man as Mr..
G. Sherman, we see the removal of one
of certain class of men who were the
true representive of the real Yankee
type. In many families such loss is
irreparable. But in the case of Mr.. G.
Sherman it is but another testimony of
bis eminently good domestic qualities
to have his name, qualifications and
economies so well represented and pre-
served by worthy son, who not only
inherits ofhis wealth, but also nobly fol-
low the same path, initiates the same
principles, and gives proofs of an equal
degree ofa prudent and reserved gener-
osity. AT the example of virtuous IA
ther, his acts of bcnevolence are not ac-
companied by any public manifestations
or any pretcnsions; many instances
could be here cited, were it not through
respect for his personal delicacy on that
point.
1t is TO be hoped, for the honor of the
American people in general, that such
examples of real merit and social virtues
should be studied, and not only admired
and praised, but followed and put in
practice. This country needs men,
gentlemen if you wish, but let such be
as the one we now contemplate, labori-
Gus, sagacious, prudent and conscien-
tious, and this continent will always be
able TO boast of being the most industri-
Gus and prosperous people on earth.
What constitutes a perfect gentlemen
is neither money, nor grace, nor good
ness, nor station. 1t is something indie
finable; it is that something which we
so much admire in the conduct of that
past generation, and in the founders of
this free and Independent nation. Re
Quiescot IN pace. DIR. j. N. o. II.
Crownpoint, n. Y.