Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1889-09-12
HIRAM Il. sLopcgrT

seldom mas our community been moro
shocked than lt was by the news of the
sudden death of Hiram II. Blodgett. con-
uuctor OF the special passenger train
which collided with the freight train
near Brooksville on the Rutland division
OF the Central Vermont Railroad.
inns terrible accident occurred Friday
evening at O'Clock, Aug. 80. 1883. No
responsibility for this calamity is ar
tached TO Mr.. Blodgett or those of his
train. He was running on his time and
according to his orders. He had been IN
the employment of the Central Vermont
railroad for nearly twenty vea,s. By
MS faithfulness, competency and trnsf-
worthy character he was promoted to
the responsible position of passenger
conductor. No man was held in higher
esteem by the officials of the company.
lie was given charge of this special
train on accoudt of the confidence thar
the officers had in him, and their conf
dence was not misplaced. He was emf
down at his post of duty with ne stain
on his character. There are some tblnos
more precious than life.
His death seems to us untimely. He
was only AZ years of age and was in the
midst of a useful and successful busi-
ness. A brighter prospect was before
him. He had pleasant and happy home.
December "a, ls72-more than sixteen
years ago-he was married in the Uni
versalist church at Bethel. the ceremony
being performed by Rev. S. A. Parker
in the presence of a large audience on
Christmas eve. Ever since he has been
connected with the railroad business.
lie well knew the danger of his employ
ment, every time he stepped on his train
he realized he took his life in his hand.
Only few weeks ago he talked freely
ABOUT what he desired to be done In
case anything should befall him causing
ms death. lie requested that the funer-
al services be conducted by the clergy
man who married him and that the Odd
Fellows. of which he was a member,
should attend and perform their service
at the grave. When this accident oc-
Cured his wife was at Bethel. 1t was
the painful duly of Rev. Mr.. Parker to
break to her the terrible news of her
husbands death and to accompany her
to her desolate home. Never did
woman under such circumstances bear
up more bravely and calmly. Altho'
her heart was crushed she seemed to
have a fortitude born of heaven. She
had the sympathy of everybody. All
tried to do something to soften her grief
and to perform some loving service to
him who was gone. Sorrow and tears
were not only in his home but in the
home of his childhood. An aged mother
was bereft of a son on whom she relied
for counsel and in whom her heart CEN
tered, and brothers who were knit TO him
in love will sadly miss him in their fam
lily reunions IN days to come. One in
cident in this great calamity is pleasant
to think of, Adrien G. Ellis, his brother
in-law. was on the train that was wreck
ed and came out unhurt. He found his
body, cared for it with tender and loving
hands and accompanied it to his sisters
home in Mortified. Mrs. Ida A. Rich
ardson of LOWELL Mass. came at her sis
ter's summons and was present at the
funeral, which took place Monday, Sept.
I'd, Many of his relatives and friends
from Randolph and other towns came on
the morning trains. There was present a
delegation from the Conductors Broth
erhood of which he was a member. The
Odd Fellows Lodge. rs body, under
charge of j. X. Edgerton-the master
assisted by w. IL. Ii. Claflin and the
Daughters OF Rebekah came in attend
ance and went to Randolph and per-
formed their tender and solemn service
at his grave. According to his request
Rev. 5. A. Parker conducted the service /
at the house. assisted by Revs. |. p.
Booth and W. W. Nutting. Beautiful
floral tributes were placed on and around |
the casket, presented by the organiza-
tions Of which he was a member and by
his many friends who desired to show
their kind feelings to him who was gone
and heartfelt sympathy to his family.
Two special cars were furnished by this
r.. r. Company to convey the family, |
friends and Fraternal organizations to
his native town. One of the longest
followed the body from West
to the cemetery at the Center
that was ever seen in that place Every
body was sincere mourner. Every one
had tear for the sad and untimely
NJ