Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1894-08-30

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Mary Jane Johnson, wife OF Clayton H.
Bowen OF Bethel Gilead, was born in Hin
chenb Canada, June 20, 1862. She
was married to Mr.. Bowen, september IL,
1882 Both became members OF the Meth
odist Episcopal church in Ripton four
years ago, and were quite active in Chris
tian work there leading religious services
in the out sections OF that region. About
a year and a half ago, they purchased and
moved to the samuel Mcintosh farm in
Bethel Gilead. In the forenoon of July
26, Mrs. Bowen was engaged IN heating
turpentine and beeswax over an oil stove,
for the purpose of dressing over the oil
cloth carpet, when, by some movement,
the mixture was overturned into the flame
Of the stove and upon the floor. instantly
her clothing was ablaze. With remarka-
ole presencs of mind, she wrapped herself
about with bed blanket and called to
lady friend present to assist in extin-
gushing the flames; but before they were
completely smothered, the character OF
the materials added such intensity TO the
FIRE that her right arm and both limbs To
the body were burned to blackness. IL
has seemed a wonder to all who have per-
sonalIy known Of the case that she could
have lived for an hour, but under the care
of DR.. {. l.. Stewart OF West Randolph,
she survived for nineteen days-such an
ordeal as few persons have ever been call
ed upOn 70 pass through Her vigorous
constitution, her complete composure OF
mind, her reposing trust in the LORD, gave
such remark able power OF endurance that
some OF her friends had hope of recovery
for few DAYS; but at the end OF two
weeks, the reserve forces were exhausted,
the tide of life began to ebb. Faithful
medical attendance, the unremltting
devotion of her husband, the kindly
care OF neighhors, kindred and friends
from near and far, earnest prayers IRON
many hearts, all combined could not
avail. Al eight O'Clock in the evening OF
August 14th, the spirit was released from
the suffering bodv. Such Christian forth
tude,undeI such extreme suffering SO long
nrotracted is seldom witnessed. Her splr-
IL vas ike that of the Christian martyrs
of the ear is. ages. Constant communlng
with God gave mastery over the suffering
body. To all comers there were words OF
christian assurance, counsel, admonition,
/ invitation special pleading with many
4 fra personal committaI to the Lord. She
( vas a faithful preacher of Christ and a
F triumphing witness of saving grace dur
/ ing those nineteen days. VI the personal
pledges made at her bedside are all Eepti
there will be stars in her heavenly crown,
/ and earthly homes will be happy in the
T loving grace Of Christ. When informed
4 by her husband that the physician tho't
4 she could not long survive, sne replied
/ 1Bless the Lord, TO live is Christ, to die
is gain" May this rare experience OF
I living and dying grace prove Of great spir-
I itual benefit to the community May the
I GOD of all grace add all needed comfort to
I the sorrowing friendsl The funeral ser
7 vice was held at the Bethel Gilead church
I Aug. 18th, attended by the pastor, Rev,
/ VIM. y. Roberts, and by Rev. @. W. Nor
/ row Of West Randolph, the latter preach
I ing the sermon.