Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1881-01-14
OBITUARY..


Died, at his residence in Townshend, Sun
day, January 9th, 1881, Aurelius Chaplin
Howard. The deceased, a son Of Chaplin and
Birsha s. Howard, was born in To gnshend
March goth, 1912 He was the oldest son
and next to the oldest child of a family of
three sons and FIVE daughters. His eldest
sister is widely known as Mrs Clarina l. II.
Nichols, who was the wife Of the editor Of
the Windham County Democrat, conserva-
tive and valuable family newspaper, formerly
published in Brattleboro. In 1885 Mr. How.
ard visited Michigan, then in its infancy and
under territorial government Though
young, he then possessed maturity Of judg-
ment seldom surpassed by men of mature
years. He saw that judcious Investments in
real estate there must bring large returns.
On his return be induced his father TO 90
West with him and to invest in real estate in
Kalamazoo and adjoining counties, at the
same time IN akipg investments from his own
earnings and such aid as his father gave him.
He was thus instrumental in adding largely
to the estate Of his father, and at the same
time laying the foundation of his own for
tune and making Michigan the centre of the
business transactions OF his life.
He was married to Hannah E., daughter of
Daniel and Lucy Stevens Cobb of windham,
in this county, on the 9th day Of March, 1871,
and settled in the village H Townshend,
where he resided till 1858, when he moved
to Chester, in the county of Windsor, and re-
manned there ten years, and until the death
of his mother, when he purchased the home
stead, made vacant by her death, and return.
cd to Townsheud, where he has since resided.
His love Of his native town and state over
powered the attractions Of his business rela-
tions in Michigan so far as to induce him to
retain his home here, making for many
years annual visits and spending from two to
three months in and about Kalamazoo. His
mature judgment, conservative and cautious
habits, which led him TO investigate with
care all matters which concerned him or his
friends, rendered him safe counsellor In
matters of business, relating as well to pub
lie as to private interests. He was highly es-
teemed by his townsmen and acquaintance,
not only on account Of his Judgment and
ability. but for his genial aud social qualities,
which made every one feel at home in his
presence.
He used his wealth to secure the comforts
and conveniences of life, but made 10 dis
play Of magnifcence and never failed to rec
ognize the poor as well as the opulent in his
daily intercourse. He never seemed ambi-
tious for Office or public favor, though he
loved the esteem Of his fellow men and was
entrusted by them with many Offices Of trust
in the towns where he resided representing
Townshend in the Legislature in 1886 and
1s47 and Chester in 1859 and 1860. He was
also a member of the constitutional conven
ton of 1870. He was man of even temper,
never allowing passion to move him to indis-
erection. OF strict integrity honest himself
in his dealings, in small as well as large
things, he required of others his Just dues.
He was not duped by Aattery or moved by
threats To secure his aid in matters of pub
lie or private interest it was necessary to con-
vince his judgment Never lavish of his
wealth, he nevertheless rendered substantial
aid to the religious and educational institu.
tions cherished by his parents and family.
and particularly so during the last years of
his life ; nor have the poor and unfortunate
been overlooked by him He was a believer
in the Chrstan religion and. when in health,
regular attendant upon public worship.
He was attacked with an apoplectic ft at
Brattleboro in August, 1877, since which
time he had several slight attacks of similar
kind, from which he speedily recovered. On
Saturday, the day previous TO his death, he
had severe attack from which he did not
rally so as to be afterward conscious. He
leaves wife, two sons and one daughter in
deep affection, with numerous relatives and
friends to mourn his loss.
Mr.. Towards funeral took place at the
Baptist church in Townshend on Wednesday,
when sermon was preached by the pastor,
Rev. L. NJ. Butler. Rev Chas. Burnham as
sisting in the services. There was large at
tendance Of our own townspeople, as well as
OF many prominent men from other towns in
the county. s.