The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1884-11-27

CORRESYoNnENCE.


wnsr LsnAsos. N. y. Nov. %, 1854
W. Ef,t0g;
Thinking q brief sketch Of the life ant
death OF very eccentric man Of Yves
Lebanon, Columbia county, y. y, Mr.
John Adams, who died November 18th
might be OF interest 10 some Of the read
ers Of yonr paper send the following.
Mr.. Adams Vas born in Massachusetts
but removed 10 West Lebanon when quit.
. young man. aud has resided here siac,
being known throughout the county fol
hi. reeulimities and misery life. He VA,
very large powerfully huilt mas. ovei
xix feet IN height. and weighed about thres
hundred pounds; careless % to his person
al appearance. and lived 10 direct epposi
iion to the general rules Of health. but biz
irou constitution fought the battles OF life
brayely, for he was 50 years old at hi'
death.
In our beautiful valley. about ons.hali
mile east Of the village Of West Lebanon
in the midst Of fen rishiag farming
section. stands large old fash toned dwell
ing sadly out Of repair, the rains Of saw
mill in the rear, aysrd in which weeds
thrived, and about which general air Of
neglect prevails.
Within this house lived Mr.. ard Mrs.
AJaraa ,.arf.ctlv rnptant Nth thasa sor
roundipgs, not socially or oharitably in
clined, never travelling, living by them.
selves and for themselves, seeking haPpi-
ness and perhaps realizing il in boarding
their money. He was mill-wright by
trade, and together With farming practiced
it many years ago, but he early acquired
the habit Of saving the pennies which
plan he followed all through life, having
bees heard to say not long age that she
had got the first dollar he ever earned" and
this more than anything else has helped
him to amass fortune estimated at one
hundred and fifty thousand dollars, con-
sisting OF Government Bonds, mortgages,
and several hundred acres OF land.
The land is in an uncaltivated condition,
bushes having been allowed to grow up
wild and the pine forest which in sum mer
the weary traveller halls with delight ~
lovely retreat was the pride OF his heart.
His numerous dwellings were uncared for
and instead OF renting he boarded up the
windows.
Though unsducated he was fond OF
reading, even enjoyed the translations OF
Eneid aud Odes Of Horace, and especial
ly Ancient History. Possessing remark
able memory he was very familiar with
the dates and occurrences Of those days.
He had few facilities for gaining knowl-
edge by observation or reading. Proba-
bly, never rode upon the cars or saw one
of our great cities. Being drawn ~ juror
many years ago he walked to Hudson the
County seat distance Of thirty miles to
save the travelling fees. Aud yet be was
quite well versed upon the lea ding topics
OF the day. So as he lived he died after
an illness OF but three days and as plain
and peculiar as Lad been his life we're his
funeral services.
The coffin was made by two carpenters,
in bis own door yard o; first growth pine,
inch boards nailed together, without han
dies, unstained and lined with cheap
muslin. The shroud was made
Of the same muslin 80. so, STROUD offered
by an undertaken being considered too
expensive by his wife.
Remarks and prayer were made by ths
resident pastor, no singing. Alter service
he coffin was placed in bust moss wagon
covered with horse blankets and carried
% its last resting place.
Mrs Adams was taken sick the morning
Df his death aud died the following Sat
irdsy H,r last days were made more
comfortable by the arrival Of the only
,hild and heir, SOU who left BIZ. homs
many years ago N J.r.
I