Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1891-12-11
STATIONS RIVER.
Death of benjamin sconcId.

Few men possess the elements of infu-
ence which characterized the late Benia-
min Scofield, and his sudden death last
Saturday noon has produced impressions
OF rare depth and somberness. His kindly
sympathy and grace of manner won
friendships, his evenness of temperament
retained them, and his departure causes an
extraordinary vacancy. He was native
of England, born in Yorkshire, July u
1924. He spent his teens as an apprentice.
learning the trade of wool sorter. and
then came to America, arriving fortnight
before he became of age. Proceeding from
New York to Boston he found his posses
sions limited to his wardrobe and a solitary
silver dollar. What opportunities for ac-
emulation has New England presented,
that in less than half century made this
child of poverty and of subsequent dsas-
trous misfortune the arbiter of an indie
pendent fortune. He found friend in his
need, David ManoX of Andover, Mass.
who lent the youth an amount sufficient
to pay his passage to Vassalboro, Me-,
where his always willing hands found re-
muherative work. Thence, after three
years service, he removed to Milton, n. II.
Shortly afterward he came to SaXtOns Riv-
er. He was in the employ of Geo. Perry
Il Co. for eight years.
In 1851 he found true partner in Alice
B. Thompson of Grafton, who bore him
daughter and a son, the latter of whom,
Frank, with granddaughter, survives him.
The faithful wife and mother died in 1869.
In 1857 Mr.. Scofield embarked in his
business career, purchasing an interest i'm
the wooden mill at Cambridgeport owned
by the firm of John A. Farnsworth & Co.
With changes in the firm name and loss by
fire meanwhile, he continued until 1866.
In 1865 under the original firm name, he
became identified with the wooden mill at
SaXtOnS River. and a year later enCOun-
tered the disastrous shock above referred
to, when the food wrought its deSOlatiOn.
But he and his partners had pluck and
push and perseverance. Prosperity re-
turned. In 1875 Mr. Scofeld sold his in
terest, and has since dealt extensively in
wool and handled real estate.
The record of his quiet life cannot east
ly be written. His native reserve and the
presence of organic disease of the heart
led him to decline offices of honor and
trust which were open to him. He was
the servant of others, individuals and fam
lilies, in more ways than can be recounted.
He was identified with the Baptist society,
contributing to its treasury, serving on its
committee, counselng with its supporters,
and rejoicing in its prosperity. Being
lover of music, he derived peculiar pleas
ure from the introduction of the new pipe
organ. He will long be greatly missed in
many circles.
The funeral services were conducted at
the spacious mansion his hands had so
skifully reared and beautitied, on Tuesday
afternoon, Rev. w. Il. Baldwin officiating.
The concourse of mourners included many
friends from abroad. Conspicuous among
them was Mr.. Whitehead, who accompan-
led the young Englishman to this land of
fortune. Daniel Campbell, NJ. D., James
II. Williams, president of the National
bank of Bellows Falls, John A. Farms
worth and John Austin were pall-bearers.
The floral tributes included pillar of YER
dant ivy, supporting the word Father in
purple script; pillow, bearing the words
"A Friend, together with the emblems, a
sheaf, sickle and an anchor. The music
of the occasion was rendered by a quartet
of male voices. The first selection was
Crock of Ages favorite with the
lamented father.
Besides two older sisters across the sea
and the son Frank and his devoted family,
the Misses BOwles, whose home interests
have been identified with Mr.. Scofield's for
many year, have the tender sympathy of
the community, itself so suddenly bereft of
a friend