The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1886-04-07
EARLE AND HIS DELINQUENT SUBSCRIBERS.
Obituary..

Wright, of late known as Madam Wright,
was born in Montpelier, July 8, 1914, second
daughter of Colonel Chester w. Houghton,
who was merchant in this town in 1908,
and for many succeeding years kept the
Union House, on the site of the present
Church of the Messiah, of which his grand
son, Rev. j. Edward Wright is now the
pastor. | remember Colonel Houghton as
clustering, energetic, and withal generous
man, who gave the land on which the old
Brick church and Masonic Hall stood, now
occupied by Bethany church, which occu-
pancy of both lots was confirmed by the
colonel's heirs. Fanny's early years were
spent in Montpelier, and here she was edu-
Gated sufficiently to enable her to assist her
brother, George, in a school ut Sandy Hill, n.
Y, soon after which she married Jonathan
Edwards Wright, son of the Rev. Chester
Wright who was the first settled minister
in Montpelier, and as such received the
" minister right" of land granted by the
charter of the town, on which he built the
house now standing at the lower end of State
street Edwards Wright was engaged as a
merchant in Montpelier for awhile but
spent the most of his business life in Boston,
until declining health brought him back to
the old homestead, in which he died. Owing
to Deafness Madam Wright was debarred
somewhat the pleasures of social life, but
she more than made up for this by con-
stantly adorning her home, and enjoying
the beauty which her skill and care had
created Her house was beautifully located,
and plain in the exterior, but within as
charming as was its mistress. Here she joy
fully received and entertained her friends
until within a few days of her death; and
here, surrounded by beautiful things, she
often assured those friends that she longed
for the end of earth. 1t has come to her,
and on Friday last at high noon, after
beautiful service by the Rev. Mr.. Ware of
Burlington, her remains were deposited in
Green Mount cemetery.
A friend of Mrs. Wright wrote on the
morning of the funeral: "The death of my
childhood playmate, girlhood friend and
my lifelong friend fills me with great sor-
row. This morning l find some relief in
tears, but regret that my health would not
permit me to go directly to Montpelier, as
soon as the sad news came, that l might at
tend her funeral. | find that of all my
friends through life, save my own immediate
family, none are so dear as those found in
early life, and | begin to feel that | am left
alone almost" E.P.w.
KEITH.-It is with feelings of regret and
sorrow that we are forced to record the death
of Mrs. Judith Wood Keith, who died in
Barre of pneumonia, March 3lst, aged
est of a family of five, children of Ezekiel
and Judith (Baker) Wood Her parents
came from Westminster Mass. and settled
in Barre in an early day, her father being
the first deacon of the Congregational
church. Mrs. Keith was united in mar
riage with Mr. Cheney Keith March 9, 1926,
he being for many years one of the prominent
men of the town. Mr.. Keith died in August,
1864, and left no children. Having united
with the church in 1899, Mrs Keith had lived
the life of a devoted Christian. She was life
member of the American Bible Society for
many years, and was an intelligent lady
one who was admired by her neighbors and
associates for her social and generous
qualities, giving freely for the support of
the church, large donor to Barre Acad-
envy, giving to the poor, and for many char
liable objects. She was indeed a philan-
thropist, generous almost to fault, giving
in her last subscription, for the purpose of
repairing the church building, 81 900 Her
life was one of untiring industry, her great
aim being to make some article of use with
her own hands, that she might give it to
those who were needy. She became greatly
family who lived with her. These little
ones called her by the familiar name of
Aunt Judy" which had come into gem
eral use by all her acquaintance. She so
loved these little ones that, aged as she
was, she would assume the attitude of youth
and spend much of her time in play aground
amusements to make them all happy. Early
youth may prevent a future remembrance
OF these happy eXertions of Aunt judy"
but the family will never lose sight of her
kindness, her forbearance and unremitted
anxiety for them all OF her brothers and
sisters, only two are living Mr. Ezekiel
Wood and Mrs. Martha Miller, who reside
in Barre. Among those not living are Mrs.
Drucilla Leach, and her brother. Stillman
Wood, who was longtime postmaster in
Barre and who died about two years ago.
She has large circle of nephews and
nieces, who are widely scattered, but who
have ever counted her as a near and dear
friend. And though she has gone to her
rest. her genial countenance, her erect
! form, quick and ambitious step even in old
age, and her beloved traits of character will
ever be treasured in their memory. A. L. F.