Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1878-06-19
James 7. Thurston.

Lingering and painful disease finally complete
Its work, and Mr. 1hurston went peacefully to hi
long-desired rest on Friday morning Of last week
JAMES ToTriSdHAM THunsroN was born in Cam
bridge, Iamoille county Vermont, in February
1878 spending his early years upon the farm an,
receiving good common school education for tn
time. or family Of six-thrce brothers an,
three sisters-a sister only survives. At tn
age OF fifteen he came to Montpelier, an,
engaged as clerk in an eating saloon kept b,
his brother-n-law. Acting well his part here
some years before he attained his majorit,
he was offered and accepted clerkship in tn,
Vermont Mutual Fire Insurance Company. DE
velopirg here the sterling qualities for which hi
becamt so distinguished in after life, he rapid,
rose in the esteem OF his employers till, in 1912
he was elected treasurer Of the company, which
responsible office he continued TO hold for thirty
two years, with the exception OF single year In
which his valuable services were transferred to
| the National Life Insurance Company and this
long tenure was only terminated by his promotion
to the position ofpresdent Of the company in 1874
then made vacant by the retirement Of the Hon
Daniel Baldwin. Declining health compelled him
to resign this Office and retire from active business
in the fall of 1877 Mr.. Thurston has also served
as director in the Life Insurance company since
1852, and as an active member OF its finance COM
| mttee since 1861 lie has also been director in
the First National Bank Of Montpelier since its
organization, and for many years its vice-presi-
dent. In his connection with all these institutions
his influence was healthful and commandlng--his
clear perception, sound judgment and unques-
toned integrity rendering him pillar of strength
whose loss will be severely felt
Early in life Mr.. Thurston held the office of
town clerk until he declined further service and
from time to time filled nearly all the positions
connected with the administration of town affairs.
That he was never called to such political offices
az he was well qualified to occupy is accounted for
by the fact that until the war, he adhered to the
democratic party which gave him the deserved
recognition Of repeated nominations for county
offices, and also for State Treasurer. And since
the war, in which time he has invariably acted
with the Republicans, we know of at least one in
stance in which he generously waived the off or ola
highly honorable county office In behalf Of per-
sonal friend-an act as unsefish and commend
able as it is rare.
Some twenty-five or thirty years since, during
season of special religious interest, Mr. Thurston
made public profession Of his faith in Christ
and united with Bethany church. In all the sub
sequent years he has been faithful in his allegiance
to the church, no small share of the time serving
upon its prudential committee, and also upon the
building committee in the erection of its new
edifce. While excusing himself through natural
diffdence and apprehended unfitness, from the
more especially religious services of the church,
there are nevertheless some instances known
wherein he was directly instrumental in per-
suading Others to come and go with him, and who
now most effectively aid in bearing the burdens
of the church.
MIR. Thurston was twice married-first in early
life, to Miss Fanny Withorell, who bore him two
children, one dying in infancy, and the other
John b. Thurston, Esq, now holding the respon-
sbe position OF actuary in the National Life In
surance Company. Mrs. Thurston dying in 1865,
a few years subsequently he married Mrs. Currer
who now survives him. In his marital relations
Mr.. Thurston was exceptionally happy. As a hus-
band and father he was tender and true and his
family and home were the sources of his highest
enjoyment lrreparable AS this loss may be re-
garded in the town and community the blow falls
here with its most crushing weight
Thus we have come to the parting OF the WAYS |
with one by whose side we have walked from
childhood. The journey has been pleasant. for
his companionship was sweet, and his heart was |
genial and true. Our joys and SORROWS have been
shared. Together we built the air |
castles of youth, and together faced the stern |
realities of life. Who or what can atone for the |
loss of such friends? Alas! how rapidly they |
gather upon the other shore!
=" Like clouds that rake the mountain summit
Like waves that know guiding hand,
So swift has brother followed brother,
From sunshine to the sunless land"
For the future Of orr friend we have no fear.
The aim of his life was beautifully described by
Bryant, his favorite poet, and often quoted as
'rotracted disease was gradually sealing up the
fountains Of his life:
SO live that when thy summons comes To Join
The innunerable caravan which moves
To that mysterious realm where each shall take
His chamber in the silent halls of death,
Ihon 20 not like the quarry at night,
Seourged To his dungeon; but sustained and soothed
by an unfaltering trust approach thy grave
Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch
About him. and lies down pleasant Dreams