The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1893-05-05

through those grounds, and noting the
changes which have taken place in the
weed grown desert of a few years ago,
should not forget that they owe large
share of this beauty to Mrs. Tiffany.
Her active brain had planned still further
improvements, and it is to be hoped that
the Society may be able to carry them
out. 1t almost seems as though it might
give her sweeter rest, in the hin top
grave which she prepared for herself, If
other bands should carry on the work
laid down by hers.
MRS. Tiffany was not an ordinary
woman. She was gifted with unusual
executive ability. II it seemed desirs
able to her that thing should be done,
she was always ready TO do it. No con-
siderations of fatigue or ill health de-
tered her from pushing forward, with
thoroughness and vigor, whatever she
had undertaken to do. She watched the
digging, and draining, and filling in of
lawn, and driveway, and burial
lot, exercising close supervision over
every step of the work, and the result
will be a monument to her honor in all
time to come. But it was not as work
er alone that our lost friend was valued.
With unusual force of character, she pos
sessed manner of exceeding gentleness
and heart full of tenderness and SYM
pathy for others less fortunate than her
self. None were too poor and low to be
beyond the reach of her sympathies, all
were her brothers and sisters, and her
Judgment was always tempered by the
largest charity. Many sad hearts have
been eheerOd by her efficient, practical
help, and her kind face has brought
sunshine into many Swallowed homes.
"a devoted wife and mother, true
and loyal friend, an earnest conscien-
tious Christian, large hearted, public
spirited woman, Mrs. Tiffany will be
missed and mourned so long as her con
temporaries remain in active life. She
was loved best by those who knew her
best, and long and intimate acquaint-
ance only showed more fully the sweeC-
ness and nobleness of her pure womanly
character.
The following poem, composed by
Mrs. Eli Tiffany, was sent to Mrs.
Emily Hutchinson, a short time before
her death twelve years ago, and was sug-
gested by these words spoken by her
during an interview: 1T is almost over
now" Mrs. Tiffany returned to her
home and before the day closed sent this
poem to the family. 1t has been cher
ished as precious legacy ever since:
ALMOST OVER.
It is almost over now,
My life work nearly done;
A few more stitches yet, trow,
Long 1t seems since begun,
And the thread of many years
Has been sometimes soied by tears,
Knotted, too by cal es and fears!
o, 1t Is not that shrk
Telling on from day to day;
h4ye learned to take the work,
IS a comfort on my way.
Yet rest il on my knee
just little while to see,
Evening creep on lovingly
Sence-and purple sky,
Over-a-ching vale and hill!
And silver stars that seem to lie
In the gold air mute and stu,
While the rich and radiant West,
AS for festival is dressed.
Amber studs upon her breast.
Now a mist most sOftly red.
Putting out the purple light;
Uniting all ny twirling thread,
Creepeth up into the night.
lean longer work, you see,
With the beam thus sent TO me,
Ere the dark fall heavily.
look nv childrenl everywhere.
Ger my work and heart IS spread,
This bright cleaning from the ait
Blottng out my trembling dread,
From the lightsuch JOY take
That ye must not murmur make,
II, thus sitting, lifes thread break.
Only put my chair aside,
And in gentlest accents say;
Mother worked here till She died,
With Gods love light on her way.
By this token dears. know,
or the Heavenly lights inflow,
1t is almost over now