Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-11-15

had three wives, all of whom have "gone before"
He removed from Belmont to Sidney, where he
remained few years. cultivating the soil and do
ing odd jobs, and came from thence to Angus
ia. This was 43 years ago, and he has resided
ever since here. At one time, he saws, he got in
to a state Of bdek-siiddsnness, because he didn't
"jine" tle church when he came here, although
his hope not at any time "clean gone" lie
thought ne wouldn't 90 to meeting, but keep up
family prayers; then family prayers were dropped
and he prayed in secret; finally he laid down the
duty of family prayer, and that's the way dark
ness temporarily Swallowed his soul.
lie first lived near the State House, but after
wards removed to North street. There were only
three or four stores in the place. The Congregs-
lists, Baptsts and Methodists had meeting houses.
lie helped raise the belfy of the old Baptist meet
ing house. Saw Ssgcr hung; his whole family
were there, aud he had the baby in his arms. He
remembers distinctly Sager's last words: Seen
tlemen, am" but the fatal rope checked
the utterance Of the last word-"innocent." He
was sexton of the Baptist church the first year he
came here but when Elder Curtis came here to
organize Free Baptist church, that being the
pcOple OF MS CHOICE, nc went WIN tutm lUe
Free Baptist society then had meetings in the old
Town House, and after Curtis left, Eason con-
Quoted the meetings, often taking texts, and ex-
pounding in his original and qusiut manner tue
meaning Of the Word, as it appeared to him.
From this service he obtained the title OF
"Pais son." although the old gentlemen, in his great
modesty discaims any such honor. He did not
however, become q member OF the church until
the coming of Mr.. Cheney, as its pastor. In the
early struggles of the church, he often went into
the woods, cut wood for fuel, to burn in the meet
ing house. and "toted" it home on his hand sled.
The venerable gentleman loves to call to mind
the names of his co-laborers and they each
and all sacredly embalmed in his memory. lie
recalls with great pleasure big donation party
given him some thirty years ago, when they had
to prop up his house to keep it from falling, under
the accumulated weight Friends and gifts. There
was enough to fill two houses All the rich peo-
pie of all denominations came. There were sew
era barrels of four groceries, provisions of every
kind and clothing-ndeed so much that he was
Obliged TO give considerable away.
In season and out OF season. this venerable man
has "stood up for Jesus" his pastor and the Com
munity always knowing just where to find him,
and that he was always true to the right. In his
enforced retirement, though enduring pain, he
can confidently sing
"l stem the storm, it won't be long,
I'll anchor by and by
Though for about four years deprived of the
privilege Of attending preaching services, the old
man has been comforted by the frequent visits of
pray ing friends, and on the very day of our visit
he was looking forward with kindling ardor to
to prayer meeting appointed to be held at the
house that evening. He says his memory is
'dreifvl scattering" and his vision is somewhat
obscured. lie can see "men as trees walking"
some ten feet distant, but you must approach him
within two feet before he can distinguish your
features. On the occasion referred to, Rev. Mr..
Penney approached him seeking recognition, when,
as the features of the good minister dawned upon
his slow vision the old man cried aloud, the tears
running down his wrinkled face, while he clse ped
the form of bis dear pastor exclaimng, "You
blessed crtter; how good you look to me !" Those
who could look upon that scene with dry eyes
have never learned the comfort of tears. Father
Eason never could read, but his memory
was retentive that it appropriated everything he
heard and thus he is able to quote scripture free
ly In regard preachers, his critic Ism is, "Any
man is good preacher who has the Holy Spirit to
aid him that is enough. "Removed from the busy
world. the example of Parson Eason is felt for
good in this community, where his life has been
spent for so many years; to him his humble cot
tage is a very bethel of prayer and gate way to
heaven no angel of light around the throne ever
had heart more attuned to the vorship of God
than this dark skinned servant, who is waiting for
the chariot and horsemen of Israel. How many
rich men. rolling in luxury, unable to spend their
income, would, if they could, exchange places
with Father Eason. But his hope. his expecta-
ton, almost ripening into fruition, money cannot
buy.
81 soon shall reach that golden shore,
Done W it'll the sin and sorrow;
And sing the song we sung before,
Done with the sin and sorrow"