Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1913-07-23


allegiance to become influential in the
development of the new common
wealth of Massachusetts. His son,
the father of our Sylvester Judd was,
like his father, man of influence and
also of unusual mental attachments,
which he acquired through long years
of self instruction.
The boy Sylvester seems to have in
herited his fathers thirst for knowl-
edge and after the usual life of coun-
try boy of that period, we find him
preparing for and entering Yale col
lege in the fall of 1882. He had little
money but an intense desire and deter
mination TO succeed. He was already
distinguished for that seriousness of
purpose and strength of character
which We're unusual in so young a
man. College life then. Was not what
,, it is today. Money was not so plenti-
full and hard work was the rule.
Into this world of life and letters
young Judd entered with all the zest
and enthusiasm of youth. and by rea
son of much hard work and self de-
NAL. graduated at the end of his
course with high honors and the great
respect of not only the faculty but of
all his student associates.
During the years of preparation for
college and more so in college itself.
young Judd was continually giving
evidence that he was endowed with a
more thoughtful and spiritual type Of
mind than the majority of his fellows
He had early attached himself to the
Christian church as member and
servant in her cause. But when he
left college and moved more in the
outside world he found that many of
the old ideas that he had long cher
ished were no longer satisfying to his
mind or heart. He had entered col
lege with a determination to enter the
ministry. Now for time it seemed
an impossible step.
At length he found his way out of
the difficulties and with many heart
panGs, for he was separating himself
from friends as well as their house
hold of faith, he entered the Divinity
School at Gambridge-then strong
hold of Untarianism. II was a try
ing and difficult step for the young
man to take, since the parting of the
ways carried him among strangers
him to home and friends
In October, 1910, Mr.. Judd was or
dained minister of Christ church,
which was then the name OF the Uni
tartan church. of Augusta. 1t was
rather uphill work for the young
minister-he was only twenty seven
years of age, but his enthusasm-his
thorough intellectual and moral prep
aration and above all. his deeply and
fervently spiritual nature. soon won
him the regard and respect of all with
whom he came in contact.
Soon after his settlement here. he
married the daughter of the Hon.
Reuel Williams, which caused him to
write friends as well as feel, that he
was fairly settled as citizen of Au
gusta.
AS time went on, the scope of Mr..
Judd's activities broadencd until his
influence was felt through the city and
the State. Monthly lectures on sub
jects of moral worth drew large audi !.
ences to his church, one of which en-
titued THE True Dignity of Politics"
was ordered printed and distributed
by the legislature. He was also at
this time an ardent supporter of the
temperance cause. and by the year
1S44, he was eagerly sought after
throughout the State as lecturer on
this subject.
About this time. Mr.. Judd was writ
ing in available spare moments. his
first and best known novel, Mar
garrett When it was finally pub
lished it was described as one of the
most noteworthy books Of fiction over
written in the United States. This
novel was followed by the poem,
'Philo," and by the romance, Rich
ard Edney," and after Mr. judas death
by a volume of discourses called The
Church"
In all these writings. may be read
the strong purpose of the writer's life.
His hearty opposition to war-to capt.
tai punishment. intemperance and
slavery, and for these causes he
worked long and earnestly.
But all this labor was too great for
man SO prodigal of health and
strength. When a cause enlisted his
services, he gave all that was in him