The Brattleboro reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1907-1912, 1907-03-22
Putneyand Vicinity
PUTNEY.
Mrs. Abby s. Taft.

With the passing OF Mrs, Abby 5. Taft
Putney has lost one OF her oldest and
most loved and respected citizens, After
a few days of illness she quietly passed
away at the home OF Deacon Z, H. PrOuty
early IN the morning OF March IL. Her
| last illness was apparently free from pain
and she was full of peace aud ready 10
submit herself to the Divine will. Fol-
lowing prayer at the home Of Deacon
Prouty funeral services We're held al her
old home at the Washbum place at !
O'Clock Tuesday, Rev. Mr., Mofcy oiliolat.
ing. l.. IL. Miller sang two OF Mrs. TAFT ;
Nearer, My God 10 Thee. The burial
was in Mt, Pleasant cemetery. The bear
ers were the four grandnephews, l., l..
Bailey, Charles i, Bailey, j. L. Ranncy,
Mr.. Marden. Those present from outol.
town were Mr.. and Mrs. Hall of Spring,
field, Mass, Mr. and Mrs. NJ. II. Leach
OF Hinsdalc, y. H., Mrs. A. w. Ashendon
OF Dorchester Mass, Miss Fanny Wash
burn OF Boston, Mass.
Abby Snow Haynes was born in Land,
grove, VI, Oct. q, 1914, Her parents
were Hannah Balch and Abel 5. Haynes.
When she was but six years OF age, her
father died and she came to Putney to
live with her grandmother Haynes. She
attended the district school and helped
her grandmother, who was not in good
health. Later she taught school in Put
ney village and also ON West Hill At
one time she was a private instructor in
the Rev. Amos Fosters family. When
she was - years old she was married to
Clnclnnatus TAFT and went 10 live at what
is now the Washburn place. This has
ever since been her home except that for
the last few years she lived during the
winter months at Deacon G. Il. Prouty's I
She had one daughter, Ellen, who be.
came the wife OF John $. Washbum and |
who died in 1875. Mr.. Taft died in 1864 |
and thus all those nearest and dearest TO |
her were taken away from her while she |
was still young woman.
Mrs. Taft became a member OF the .
Congregational church in 1895 and al
ways took the deepest interest in the
affairs and welfare Of the church. She
gave literally of her means to church and
mission work and was Tor long time a
eacher in the Sunday school and later,
when advancing years prevented her at
enhance, took charge OF the home de-
,artment of the Sunday school. Up to the
cry last she was interested in current
vents and in all good work everywhere.
he was most loyal friend and pos
essed those rare and sterling qualities
hat made her shining example OF noble
'hristian womanhood Her life was most
nselish and helpful and she was one
Tho was loved and admired by everyone
tho knew her During her last years
hough feeble and with failing sight, she
howed the same courage, cheeriulness
nd nfailing charity for others which had q
lways been characteristic of her. She 4
.emcd an embodiment OF all the Chris z
an virtues and was always a great source /
inspiration and help to those around
err.
Though Aunt Abby" lived quiet, sim
e life, her influence was widespread and
ways for good and her memory and ex.
nple will always be blessed. 4 long life h
ell spent and full of service for others
I'd for her Master-that is her record. T.