Bennington semi-weekly banner. (Bennington, Vt.) 1894-1902, 1895-01-15
OBITUARY.
Randall J. Crawford.

The announcement. Saturday after
noon, of the death of Randall j. Craw-
ford, was not surprise to the cOmmun-
ity, who had been aware for several
weeks that his recovery was impossible.
Although he had been quite i'll, and his
sufferings at some times intense, the end
was peaceful and he died easy and in no
pain. In his death the town and village
lose a good citizen, one who has for
years been prominent and leading
builder. In fact, for a number of years
he was about the only one who contract
ed to build dwellings, ETC., complete.
He was the contractor of the Second
Congregational and Methodist parson-
ages, as well as of other and more public
buildings, A workman of strict integ-
rity he was much sought for by those
making public improvements. His last
work was done on the wooden block of
VIM. E. Hawks, Main street.
A host of friends deeply sympathize
with his wife, bereft of loving and
faithful husband, and children who have
lost kind and indulgent father. He
was twice married. His second wife,
three sons and daughter survive.
The funeral was held in the Methodist
church, yesterday afternoon. Mr.. Craw-
ford had been member many years and
one of the stewards since 1858. The
church was well filled with friends and
acquaintance, among them being many
of his brethren of Mount Anthony Lodge
of Masons, of which the deceased was
for many years an active member. Pre-
viOus to going to the church, there were
prayers at the house. The Rev. S. Nc
Laughlin conducted the services, and a
quartette composed of Merritt B. Nor
gan, Misses Audria Bowen, Florence
Sweet and the Hon. John V. Carney,
sang "Let me be going" and "There
is rest for the weary" which were
selected by Mr.. Crawford before he died
The floral tributes were in good taste
and among them was an elegant pillow
bearing the inscription in purple: "a
Faithful Steward" This was the trib-
ute of the pastor of the church and the
Board of Stewards. There was, also. a
wreath of Gala lilies and smilax, as well
as other floral offerings. The remarks
of the officiating clergyman, while brief,
paid just tribute to man who was uni
versally respected by the community, as
was shown by the large attendance at
the funeral. AS the remains were car
red into the church, the stewards, of
which he was one, were arranged on
either side of the walk. After the SER
vices all opportunity was given to view
the vemalns. The bearers were three
sons, Frank, Edward, Elmer, and a SON
in.law, Archie Norton. Aside from his
immediate family he is survived by two
brothers, one of whom is in the West.
Mr. Crawford has carried several life
insurance policies and had in force at his
death, 50, 400. Two thousand dollars of
this was paid up policy in the New
York Life, and the balance was in the
Mutual Life of New York. These poll
cies are payable to his wives, some 81
500 going to his deceased wife, and of
course now to her heirs, the children,
and the balance to his wife who survives
The Official Board of the church adopt
ell the following resolutions:
WHEREAS, 1t has pleased our Infinite Father,
in the diSpenEaton of His all wise providence to
remove from our midst and take to Himself in
the heavenly rest, our friend, associate and
brother. Randall j. Crawford, therefore
Resolved, That we bow in humble submission
to tine will of the Great Head Of the Church, who
has said TO our brother: ENTER thou into the joy
of thy Lord feeling perfectly confident in the
promise of Him "who dOeth all things WELL that
the loss of our brother may be sanctitied tn the
good of all connected with tho Church of which
he was a member, and may We emulate the viz
tues of the departed, and finally attain as abund.
ant an entrance into glory.
Resolved. That to the family of the deceased
we. the pastor and official board of the Church
of Wh.ch our brother member tender our
sincerest sympathy and pray that our Divine
Saviour may send the Holy Comforter to sustain
them in this their hour of deep affection.
Resolved, That these resolutions be entered up
on the Church records, and that copy of the
same be presented to the family Of the deceased,
and published in the village papers.
On behalf OF the Official Board,
CHARLES COOPER,
JOHN V. CARNEY,