Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1882-01-13
OBITUAR Y.


DhNlN buuys
Born in Heath, Mass, Aug g. 1901. Died in Jdmdicd,
w., Dec. 1S, 1881.
When one of our fellow men passes to the
grave, whose days have filled full fourscore
Of years and whose life has been interwoven
with and formed an important part of the his
tory of our county, it is but justice that we
gather up his history for the benefit Of our
selves and those coming after us.
David Eddy was the son Of Daniel and
Elizabeth (Simmons) Eddy, and a direct lin
cal descendant Of one Of the Eddy brothers
who came to this country in the Mayhower.
He belonged to an exceptionally long-lived
family, his father dying at the age of II and
his mother at the age of 80 years. His faith
er moved to Jamaica in 1902 or 1903. settling
on the place now owned by Charles Gleason,
near Wardsboro. He lived here but a short
time, however, as he was living on what is
now a pasture, owned by Brainerd Brown, at
the time of the dark day" of 1sOG-June 1G.
The incidents of that day we're distinctly re-
membered and often recounted by David, al
though he was less than five years old at the
time.
In early life David Eddy evinced a remark
able taste and aptitude for books, and readily
mastered obstacles that were insurmountable
to his schoolmates For some 20 years of his
early manhood he taught part of the time.
He was married to Lucy Stockwell, April /,
| 1927, by whom he had four children Sept.
~, 1885, he married Lydia Pierce, by whom
he had seven children Jan. %, 1868, he mar
| ried Mrs. Maria Dexter of Wardsboro, who
survives him. Since 1887 he has served the
town by holding one or more of its most i'm
portant offices. The duties Of a constable
were distasteful to him. MANY time" he
said to the writer, I've had to serve writs
when l would rather have paid every cent of
| the debt than to do it." In 1856 he was elect
| ed representative Of the town, and served in
the regular and special sessions. For about
40 years he was justice of the peace, and
probably no man in this town ever tried more
cases, or settled more estates of deceased per
sons, than he. He was held in such univer-
sal respect that the name of David Eddy ap-
peared on the justice ticket Of both political
| parties. He believed in letting offices seek
him, instead of his seeking office; and, though
repeatedly urged TO allow his name to be used
as a candidate for assistant Judge, he as often
refused. In politics he was sturdy anti
slavery Republican from the birth of the par
| ty. He respected the man, and not the skin
with which the man was covered and many
a time needy colored men have found shelter
under his roof and hospitality at his table.
Mr.. Eddy was a farmer all his life. He liv-
! Gu upon tue uOntbltAu OF MS lAluef llll 1000,
when he removed to that of his father-in-law,
to care for his wife's parents. He remained
here until his marriage in 1868, when he re-
moved TO Wardsboro. Within few months
| of his death be expressed desire to return to
| the old homestead and die there, and the wish
was granted. Mr.. Eddy always enjoyed re-
mRrkable health and vigor and, 30 far as can
now be learned, had only once called physi-
clan TO attend him, previous to last April, and
that was for disocated shoulder. About a
| year ago symptoms of wasting energies and
disease began to appear, but did not assume
an alarming form until April, when physicians
were called, and he soon rallied, aud was COM
paratively comfortable during the early part
of the summer; but it was apparent that he
was slowly wasting away with blood. poisoning
from absorption of uric acid caused by par
| tial paralysis of the muscles controlling the
bladder. He retained his mental powers to
the last, and spoke to his children within one
minute Of the time when his last breath was
drawn. He realized his condition fully, and
| left the clearcst evidence that his faith was
mistaken and that death had no terrors for
him. In early life Mr. Eddy and his young
wife united with the Baptist church in Jamai-
ca, and both remained members until their
| death. Until within few years he was a
constant attendant upon church services, and
very few Sabbaths passed in which he and his
family were not inther place in the sanctua.
ry. During the last few years Of his life he
was troubled with deafness, SO that he could
not hear the public services, and he preferred
to spend the Sabbath in the quiet of his home.
The religion Of the New Testament was
reality to him, aud he loved to drink it in, in
all its purity simplicity and fullness. Its in.
huence was seen and recognized in his daily
intercourse with men, and it is but simple
truth to say that his life was a Giving epstle
known and read Of all men, and that he was
one of the noblest works of God-an honest
man. L.
Jamaica. Vt, January, 1882.