Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1886-09-17

MISS MARY BUCKHAM.


When character of such rare worth
and loveliness as that of Miss Mary Buck
ham, whose death has lately been record
ed in this paper, is taken away from
among us, the event seems to call for
something more than a passing notice.
Quiet and retiring as she was, her gentle
presence was fei, like benedctiou by
many beyond her own immediate circle,
and was sadly missed, when, about
three years ago, she was suddenly called
aside from the active duties of life, by the
relentless progress OF lingering and pain
full disease, which at last proved fatal.
1t is difficult to depict Alright the traits
that attracted and held the almost rever-
entail affection of those VINO knew her
| longest and best, the picture must needs
be drawn III such quiet colors. All who
came into any relation with her were i'm
pressed by the simplicity and purity that
clothed her us Il garment, and they soon
learned to honor in her that perfect tidel-
ity TO duty, which while it ennObled the
commonplace task of every day, prepared
her to meet with iirmness and untllnchlng
courage life's heavier cares and trials
when they came A friend who had
known her from the time they were in
school together speaks of this as "a quiet
stlf-reliaut strength to do her duty" and
says "when any thing lay before her as
something to be done, she never asked,
can do it but simply went forward
and did it, She could always be relied
on to meet her engagements, even when
| her cares We're most engrossing, and no
one who depended on her, ever found her
a broken reed, till physical strength gave
| way, and there was no longer any power
to help. Her tender and affectionate ma
ture was quick in its sympathetic response
to the need or suffering of others, even
1 81 hpI itThf ttTAl haNr
engrossed all her thought. The friend
quoted above says: Il cannot think of
Mary Buckham rs doinga selfish thing"
And yet TO say that she was unseltish is not
enough, for love is not negative, but posi-
tive, and it was love that inspired her
sacrifices, With all this, she possessed Il
mind of no common strength and clear
hess, refined and cultivated by careful
reading and study.
The deep religious faith that lay at the
foundation of her inward life, sustained
her still when strength and heart failed
her And nothing was ever able to shake
that abiding peace, (which the world can
| neither give nor take away"
Mary Buckham was born in Chelsea
Vt, in August, 1910, she and her twin
sister being the youngest children of Rev
James Buckham, the pastor of the Con
gregatlonal church in that town. In 1856
and 1857, the family having meantime re-
moved to Fairfield, Vt, she was mem
Der of the school of Mrs. j. II. Worcester.
In 1864 her father came to Bar
lington, and from that time her
home was in this city. After the death of
her mother in January, 1872, she gave her
self without reserve to the care and solace
OF her widowed father, furnishing from
TINS time forth an example of tender tilal
devotion seldom paralleled. In the fall of
IS she accompanied her father on visit
10 hls native land and spent the winter in
md
1879. In January, 1888, she was called,
not unexpectedly to herself, to exchange
lie OF active and afiectionate service
Tor one OF pain and passive endurance. 1t
was now that those heroic qualities which
formed such distinguishing elements in
her character came prominently to view,
ana the calm determination, courage and
lortltude she displayed, when these were
| what was needed, surprised even those
who knew her well. She was soon re-
moved TO Brooklyn, ~ Y, where the low
ing care OF her only sister lightened the
weary burden of pain and weakness, till
on Tuesday, Aug II, she was called away
To the eternal rest.
Her remains were brought home to
burlington To the house of her brother.
| President BuCkham, where the funeral
services were conducted by her former
PASTOR Rev. George b. Stafford, d. d.,
whose illustrations had often been a
comfort TO her during her long illness.
Miss BuCkham was for many Years an
active and useful member Of the Young
Nonen.s Christian association lu this
city, and served for some time as its treas.
Wer, while her love for the cause Of
missions found expression in the faithful
ANA continued discharge Of similar duties
IN connection with the WOmau's board of
missions.
Her earthly tasks are ended, aud the
need OF ioNltude and patient endurance.