The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1879-04-11

noble man has fallen 70 our midst. The
carly pioneers OF our State are rapidly passing
away, and another generation IL stepping upon
the stage OF action TO carry forward the work
they 30 nobly commenced. -.
Ed. Joseph Woodman was born in Barring
ton, N. H., Feb. 18th, 1870, thus being at the
time OF hls death 80 years month Al days, OF
age While quite young his father, John
Woodman with his family became pioneer
settler IN Caledonia county, Vt. Joseph was
tho second child and eldest son in the family,
and in early life he developed those active
qualities Of labor aud prudence that crowned
his later years with honor and success. About
tho goth year OF bis age, he married Tryphens
johnson, with whom he lived IN happy union
OF 50 years-she dying, June 14th, 1868, in the
I'D year of her age--having lad ten children,
all OF whom, save four survive their father.
Soon after his marriage he, with his wife,
made profession of religion and were bap-
tized by Elder John Colby, and united with the
Free Will Baptist Church. Earnest in his re-
ligious convictions he soon to the labor OF his
hands joined the labor Of the ministry and
actively engaged In preaching the Word to his
fellow citizens.
In July, 1881, he emigrated to Western New
York, and settled on farm in the township
OF Riga, Monroe county, where he resided
until the spring Of 1886, when, with his family
he moved TO this State, settling upon the spot
where he has lived for the last A years. The
life OF the pioneer is Q hardy one, calling into
exercise the virtues Of patience, faith and hope.
When he first came here, Paw Paw had but one
small frame house, three log cabins and o
small mill. he soon added another log cabin
on the site now occupied by the beautiful
mansion of his son j. ]. Woodmap, but after
wards he built another residence which became
his home till the day of his death. Finding no
church Of his faith here, he united with the
Protestant Methodist, aud was soon after or
dained and set apart to the ministry, and labor
ed zealousy in Doth word and doctrine. Faith
full and worthy his fellow citizens called him
to the magistracy, and for 9 years he ofiiciated
as Justice of the Peace for the township of
Antwerp.
In 1863 lie was married again 30 Mrs Mary
Osmer Of Mich, who has faithfully minlstered
to him ID bis declining years.
The Woodman family ia notable one for
longevity. From the record OF the family,
copy the following remarkable example "Dea
Archeland Woodman lived 10 the advanced
age OF 81, and his son Joshua attained to the
age OF almost SO, and leaves family of II out
OF Is children, whose combined ages, at their
decease. amounts to nine hundred and ninety
six years, being an average Of So years !" An
Octogenarian family indeed-and ii IS doubt
ful that such o similar instance can be found
in the history OF our country.
At reunion OF tue brothers and sisters OF
Elder Woodman, six in number, about a year
ago, all wsre found to be over so years Of age.
As a husband and father, Mr. Woodman
was ever loving and devoted to the welfare OF
his family in ell their interests. As citizen,
industrious, upright and honorable in all his
relations to his fellowman. And as christian,
faithful and jealous in the service of his Lord.
He died as the true christian ever dies, in the
full triumph Of his faith.
In the good time coming may ii he bis to
have another reunion with every member of
his family present in, that better life where
sdieus are unspoken words and separations
are all unknown.