Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1877-01-31

" 80 NE qtrefh ms BefOred sleep
The following upon the death Of Mrs Minnie
MARTINI Hooker we copy from the Rockton
tIllinos) Herald after wearisome illness Of
several weeks borne with cheerful fortitude and
Christian resignation, Mrs Minnie Martin Hooker
fell asleep in Jesus, December 10Th.
Mrs. Hooker was the daughter OF Catherine
and Bowman b. Martin, OF Marshfed Vt, and
granddaughter of Judge William Martin, who
was for several years a resident Of this village
She was a child OF unusual beauty and promise,
her sage remarks and quaint sayings often draw
ing smiles Of mingled appreciation and amuse-
ment from the family circle. In the home of her
birth in the Winooski Valley, bright active and
beloved, little Minnie grew TO lovely girlhood.
In the winter of 1853, when in her seventeenth
year, she accompanied her Uncle Edwin Martins
family upon their return TO Rockton from visit
to their Eastern home Since which time, how
true pure, and womanly life she has lived
among us, those who knew her best will most
gladly testify. It was here that she gave her
heart to Christ, the Saviour, who has just led her
tenderly through the dark valley, to the
Fathers house of many mansions, toward which
her feet hastened with such glad assurance
Father, will that they also, whom thou hast
given me- be with me where am, that they may
behold my glory" Safely housed, surely for
her, this sublime prayer has been answered
8" In the winter of 1862 she was united in mar
riage to George X. Hooker, youngest son of DR..
Harley Hooker, formerly of Syracuse N. T., one
Of the most respected and highly esteemed of the
early settlers of Rockton. To her husband she
was ever true and faithful wife. To their only
child, she was a tender devoted mother. Her
life was greatly saddened by the protracted ill
ness and early death of her husband, which oc-
CURED August 18th, 1874.
Previous to her marriage, she was engaged as
a teacher in the public school of Rockton, in which
capacity she served with great acceptance In
mparting instruction to, and winning the love of
children, she was gifted with unusual tact After
her companions death it was cherished hope of
hers, impaired to few intimate frends), to en-
ter some institution in which she might have the
and instruction of large number Of children.
But God in His providence willed it otherwise.
"Delicately organized and sensitive to a fault,
the unavoidable perplexities of business, COM
bned with the untiring activity and conscientious
thoroughness which she brought to bear upon
the many duties devolving upon her proved too
great burden for her frail strength. Her health
gradually declined until she was attacked with
the illness that terminated in her death. But
those who knew the sure ground of her hope, felt
that death came not to her as defeat, but as a
glorious victory. That her $ was no sef-righteous
trust, but that she depended alone for acceptance
on the death and merits of Christ was fully
evinced by the touching resignation of herself
into His hands, and the earnest prayers that He
would cleanse her by His blood, and keep her by
His grace At one time, when she supposed that
her feet had reached the very brink of the river,
extending her hands she exclaimed: o Lord, |
come to thee, take my hands and hold themp As
her friends came to her bedside, beautiful ex-
pressions of admonition, love- and trust fell from
her lips, for each and every one As her eyes
rested upon her fatheress boy, so soon to be
likewise motherless, she exclaimed, How have
loved you. Work, work every day to meet me in
heaven '-commendng him to an esteemed Chris
tian friend for guidance. Repeating the Saviour 5
| words: In my fathers house many man
sions, she said, my house is already, know my
home is there. The door is open wide Upon
being asked, at the request of her physician, il
she was willing to go, she replied, o yes, | am
all ready Another inquired, Are you easy Min.
nie?' when she responded, Perfectly easy and
very happy And the smiles that lit up her beau
tifu features gave evidence that heavens owr
peace was even then resting upon her
| Redeemed with the precious blood Of Christ
Not lost, but gone before. Good night deai
Minnie, God helping us, Wen say Good morn
| ing, ON the Other Shore"