The Caledonian-record. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1920-current, 1921-01-22


mediately." He was able to sec be-
yond the material side of the ques-
ton, which concerned the moral, So
cial and intellectual welfare of the
children of Newport.
The death of Mr., Akin, following
but few days illness, came as u
| shock to the community. His sick
ness was not at first regarded as Sc
rious by his friends in general. He,
| himself, apparently believed that he
would soon be we'll again, as he left
for a trip to Boston, where his son,
Donald A. Akin was to undergo an
operation during the week preceding
his untimely death. Upon his arrival
in Boston, MI. Akin did not feel
able to remain, and was obliged to
return on Wednesday, January ) to
this city. After two days in bed, he
appeared improved in health, and on
Saturday and Sunday he was able to
go about the house.
But toward Sunday evening, he
suddenly grew worse. He continued
to decline in health, in spite of the
ministerings of physicians. As a final
resort, Dr.. Gordon, a specialist from
Montreal General Hospital, was SUM-
moned to the bedside of the stricken
man, in a futile endcavor TO prolong
his life. DR.. Gordon came on We'd
ncSday, Jan. II, but at 100 a. M,
on Thursday, the patient had passed
away.
Tie words of Rev. Leland A. Ed
wards who delivered the culogy at
the funeral services Of MI Akin,
very aptly describe the boundless ac-
5ivity of the latter. The Rev. M.
Edwards said in part:
"Since | have come into connection
with this church, | have been trying
to think of any real undertaking in
which this church has engaged, which
does not bear the finger marks, yes,
he heart prints of this man of God.
He walked with God that he might
enjoy the companionship of God, and
the companionship of those who
walked with God. How many times
have | heard him say, Glow | value
the friends | have found in the
church," and he did Glow often
have heard him in that little room,
plead with the young people "Find
YOU friends in the church. They
have helped me so much" He was
always thinking of what the church
had given him, continuity reminding
US of what the church had brought 20
him, he was seemingly all unmindful
of the wonderful contributions he
had made to the church.
again, he walked with God that
he might demonstrate to the world
and he did-that man could be Il de-
voted follower of Jesus Christ, and
every day active in the business
world with keen competitions and
great temptations. A business man
-yes-and | know that he regarded
his business as d sacred trust given
to him by Almighty God, as truly a
trust from God as the work | strive
to do.
"A few days ago he was in the full
vigor of splendid manhood, in the
full vigor of health, and he had so
many plans, so much TO look forward
to, so much in his business life, SO
much in his church, so mny hopes for
this community. so many things to
work for and pray in his family life, |
But he has gone out. To all these
things he gave full measure of dcvo-
ton while her on earth, neglocJng |
stunning no task, hoWcVer
hard. His loss seems i aralablc, be-
cause he was so close to Us all, so |
helpful to us all. But could he speak |
to us today, he would say. Take up |
thc tasks | have laid down, and cayry |
them on to completion.
"He leaves to his church wonder |
full legacy, a legacy of noble bic !
hcroically lived. He leaves to the |
community an untarnished name. He
/ husbands devotion and fathers |
love. He leaves to me, his pasto.,
the memory Of answering fidelity, |
loyalty, deep and abiding
friendship. Through ten happy yea
Of service we have worked together.
How much | am going to miss him !
God only knows, bat | am thankful
more than words can tel fol The fact !
that we have had him, and that he |
mas given to the church, and to the
community, and to US as individuals |
so much
John A. Akin was born August -,
1866 at Grifins Corner, Que, the son
OF Henry and Eliza Akin. His cdu-
cation was received in the schools
Of his native village, at Bcebe Plain,
and at Derby Academy from which |
institution both he and Mrs. Akin
we're graduated. While in attendance ,
at the Academy he ranked the highest
in his class in scholarship, and since
his graduation, MI. Akin has alWays !
maintained a keen interest in both the |
UNDERGRADUATE and alumni activities
of the acohol.
When 20 years of age he came to
Newport and entered the employ of
the Gilman store before the death of
Mr.. Gilman. For a period Of several
wears, he was also in the employ of |
f. Lane, whose place of business was
then located near the iron bridge over
the Clyde River in the East End.
When the late f. c. Blanchard was
a partner in the firm Of True and
Mr.. Akin secured a posi-
ton there. Since that time his bu4i-
ness activity has been confined to the
interests Of that firm, of which he
became partner after the death of
+. c. Blanchard.
For many years past, Mr.. Akin has
been cncrgetically engaged in manag-
,,c +bo fast GROWING business. His