Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1905-03-09
SILVER LAKE.
Nelson toward Dead.

MANY readers of this paper will start
with d pang OF sadness as the eye runs
through this item, and old residents viii
say. II don't care 10 go TO Barnard next
summer, not finding Nelt.n He was one
OF the attractions, and his companlonable
place will not easily be filled.
Nelson Howard was born in August,
1924. the son OF Arson Howard and grand
son Of the once-renowned Simeon Howard,
who contributed TO the life, lollity and
entertainment OF Barnard people one
hundred years ago, with his odd sayings,
rhymes, epitaphs, etc, never equalled
except possibly by this scion OF the old
stock, perhaps brig htened somewhat by
younger blood.
Arson Howard married Eunioe Lasell
OF Pomfret, and from this union were
born two Sons and two daughters. One
son died in infancyi the other Is the sub
ject OF this sketch. Mary, the eldest
daughter married W. II. ii. Wheat and
emigrated to the great Northwest, where
her descendants are still living in aiiiu-
ence. The second daughter, Susan, mar
red JohnP. Freeman. They were parents
OF Oscar +. Freeman, Esq, now of Wood
stock
Nelson Howard never married, but
made his home years ago with Brackett
Trombly in Barnard village, later at
Mrs. Kate j. Souleis, daughter OF Mr.
Trombly, where he died March 1st. He
never lacked for home and all its COM
forts and was well cared for to the last
Mr.. Freeman would have gladly made
home for Nelson with HIM as nelthe
were ever married, but he said, "Nearly
ali my best friends of fourscore years
have lived and died IN Barnard, and am
only waiting a few more days TO join the
Hillside city OF our dead lie had his
desire and now sleeps with those he loved
best.
Not long ago, in conversation with the
writer, be said, at is not hard 90 die
when those / should hate to leave behind
have already gone on before"
No man had kindlier heart or a more
generous, forgiviug disposition than
Nelson Howard, always ready TO sympa-
thize with everyone IN sorrow and
affection. For strict integrity and hon
esty OF convictions he had no peer in our
town.
The present generation when they
looked upon his bent form, whitened
head, toItering steps, failing eyesight and
faltering speech, would hardly realize
that this fast decaying frame was once
the champion Of all athletic feats and
sports in Barnard. Those trembling
limbs could clear more space at a standing
lump than any other man in town and
could outstay the hounds in a long fox
hunt lie was quiet and unassuming.
No brag, boast or bully had foothold
with Nelson Howard.
He was a trainer and driver OF race
horses, with quite a reputation on our
local tracks 80 and 40 years ago. lie
handled some good ones, and with his
genial spirit made the life Of all other
stables.
In one race, where he was leading, the
excitement was great, and as a Boston
man expressed il, '.he yelled like a man
with a broken leg.o Soon after the
National rules forbade loud shouting,
and we always told Melt that he was the
cause Of that enactment. The Joke lasted
and afterwards he drove with closed
mouth.
No man loved ice racing on Silver Lake
better, always taking an active part when
in his prime. In later years his loss has
been severely felt, leaving place not yet
filed.
Ills rugged health and splendid con-
stitution, coupled with Barnard air ana
diet, carried hmm through eighty years
without the sickness OF hardly day until
Bfights disease laid him low.
lie had been known in local papers as
aJudgen Howard, bat just how he ac-
quirgd the title is not exactly known,
unless il was his love for right and
equal justice to all. No man had better
Judgment sounder common sense and
everyday fact than Judge Howard.
IL Is said land true enough, that the
language OF praise Is often the language
81 cXagguration. But God forgive me 4
j have said too much; IL rs tine last Tor
this. my always true and long faithful
friend, Nelson Howard.
The funeral was held at the residence
OF Mrs. Kate J. Soule in Barnard village
Friday, March 3, Rev. Fred Daniels OF the
81. IT church officiating; i, l.. Townsend,
conductor, jerome Morgan, James Ward,
Henry O. French, Thomas Walworth,
pail bearers. Floral offerings were nice,
especially those Of Mrs. Clara Chapman
and Oscar Freeman. The house was
well filed with mourning friends and
symuathzing neighbors. The caskei
was placed IN the tomb; interment later
". r. DANFOBTH.