Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1899-03-03
Mrs. Francis Barber, a weII-KnOwn
Former ResIde nt.

The many friends of Mrs. Francis Barber, wife
of Francis Barber, native aud former resident
of Wilmington and brother Of Hardy F Barber,
will be panied to learn OF her death, which took
place Feb. IA at Wurtsboro, Sullivan county, New
York, after long and painful illness.
I Mary Elizabeth (Barber) was the oldest daugh-
Ter of Hiram H. and Fidea Haskell of this town,
where she was born July 6, 1925, and where she
was married to Mr.. Barber on Dec. ~, lS45. They
lived here until 1855 when Mr.. Barber removed TO
and entered upon successful business career in
New York city; thence he removed to Brooklyn
and from there, about four years ago, TO Wurts-
boro, N. Y. Besides her husband, one daughter,
Emma an only child, survives, being Mr.. Pres.
colt l.. Watson formerly OF Wilmington. Mr..
and Mrs. Barber had made their home with their
married daughter for many years, both In Brook
lyn and Wurtsboro. Two sisters of Mrs. Barber
also survive her-Mrs Orson F. Swift Of Spring
field, Mass, and Mrs. o. F. Knowton Of Ludlow,
VT. The husbands of both were well-known res
idents OF this village 80 years ago.
Descended from vigorous New England parent
age, Mrs. Barber inherited robust constitution
and was rarely ILL., even for day, until about
eight years ago, when she suffered slight paral-
ytic shock which disabled her for time, but the
attack gradually wore of and not until some IL
months ago did the disease again manifest itself.
Within that peri d, however, it made rapid prog.
ress and the latter months Of her life were those
OF helpless and hopeless invaldiSm incident to
such cases.
Mrs Barber was a woman endowed with quail
ties that endeared her to wide circle Of friends
not only in New York, but wherever she lived
ana hnO VIII lOob a. a uCcp anu ooiu
ing affection. She possessed that happy tempera
ment that made her friends believe her more and
more with advancing years, and led her always
to look upon the bright side OF life whatever oh
stacles might surround her. II clouds darkened
| her pathway she would create sunshine aud dis
| pei them by the force OF her own cheerful and
| buoyant nature; and her helpful influence upon
| others was irresistible. Notwithstanding gen.
tie disposition. she possessed remarkable force
| Of character that made her brave and fearless
where others would be discouraged and falter.
| Her kindness to others was proverbial; her con
| Germ was always for the welfare of her family
kindred and friends, but never for herself, ever
| through her long and helpless illness. She was 9
| loving wife, fond devoted mother, true and
| faithful friend, but, more than all, she was
| Christian throughout her life and every act wa
| inspired by the spirit and teachings Of her Mas
| ter. whom.she served 10 steadfastly and faithful
| ly to the end. The radiant hues Of this nobl
Christian character were woven into a tadeles
| mantle and. beneath II, che laid down upon he
| lowly couch to untroublej dreams and eterns
| rest.
The funeral was held at Wurtsboro, the Rev
| David Evans rector of Grace church. Middle
| town, N. Y, employing the impressive service G
| the Episcopal church. Mrs. Barber, however
was early identified with the Congregations
| church OF this village, as were her parents
| Among the former residents of Wilmington VIII
attended the funeral (the most Of whom are reli
tives OF Mr.. Barber) were james H. Flagg {
| North Adams, Fred A. Flagg Of Troy, N. Y
| John H. F1agg, Mrs. f. W. Fairbanks and daugf
ter, Miss Blanche Fairbanks, and Austin H. Wa
son of New York city. The burial was In Greer
| wood cemetery.