The Republican journal., 1922-12-14
ALERT W. WARD.


After few weeks of unpleasant hoarse-
ness with some slight inconvenience Of
breathing at times, tho not sick, Mr.. Al
bert Webber Ward Of Thorndike passed
peacefully to his eternal rest on the morn
ing of Oct End.
Mr.. Ward was born August 20, l34O,
one of a family of eleven children, four
younger sisters are yet living. His father
was farmer in that section and this son
worked on the home place summers and
taught school winters as wssthe custom
then About 60 wears go b went into bus
mess for himself al E. Thorndlke, and NOV
ed to the village in 1874, because OF the IN
creased advantages there conss quent upon
the railroad having been built thru Just
few wears before In 1877 he built the
nIeasant residence on Main street which
has been the home ever since.
On May |, 1864, he was married 10
Martha c Harmon. 1t proved an loeai
union. for they were OF one heart anu
mind more than so years OF lie together.
Each found in the others judgment
counsel and sympathy what was neces-
s.ry nrevious TO any undertaking or the
solution of any problems, in the home, /
business. social life or church work, Even
= hasty examination of the ABUNDANT IL
terature upon shelf or table OF their home
compels the conclusion that here were
not merely readers but students, naturaliv
endowed with head and heart with quail
ties of an unusual refined character II
MAS no ordinary bereavment t) him or the
locality when his life partner for over oO
wears was taken to her heavenly home
five years ago. But he has been very
brave in his loneliness, greatly comforted
by his only child, Mrs. A. X. Murcn, VINO
with her husband survives him.
Mr.. and Mrs. Ward early began the
Christian life which was always with
them a life and not profession. They
ever gave of their time. talent, money to
the church and its enterprises. Ihelr
home was ever open to share its ilne
hospitality and untiring service TO all
GOOD people a real ''home" for ministers
especially. Originally members OF the
Free Baptist denomination, when the local
CONGREGATIONAL Church was being oreanl-
zcd. they became charter members; were
leading spirits in the erection OF the PRES
ent church building and four years ago IN
memory of his beloved wife, he had eiec-
tric lights installed and abundant provi-
sion made for the upkeep OF the same.
To all who are acquainted with the
Centennial Anniversary of Ihorndlke
which occurred August 9, 1919, the eooa
Judgment, fine mind and great heart OF
Mr.. Ward are very easily discerned, he
having written at least two of the most
important articles and was one or the
leading factors in planning and carrying
out so,successfully that memorable event.
The citizenship of this noble man was
always above price Always held IN the
highest esteem by his fellows he had been
selected to fill all the important offices OF
the town, postmaster, selectman, superin-
tendent of schools, etc, filling these posi-
tions with conspicuous fidelity and salts
faction. He was lifelong Democrat
and of course prominent in his party's
councils Stern for the right, ne was
very guarded in utterance, and impartial
in his treatment of others. tie outllved
all but one of his contemporaries.
He was made a Mason in Star IN the
West" Lodge about 1867; Identified and
Joined Unity Lodge at Thorndike Station
in 1879 OF course he Immediately be-
came a worker and was placed in all its
Offices and became one of the oldest and
best posted Masons in the County
He always took peculiar delight IN IN
structinp and counselling all the men who
are now carving on all Lodge activities
in the community. He was scribe of the
lodge for more than 20 years and his re-
sipnation was very reluctantly acknow-
ledged in 1920. He attended many ses-
sons of the Grand Lodge and was D ID.
G. M. two years.
He with Mrs. Ward became charter
members of the Josiah H. DTummond
Chapter, o. E. S. and what is rare ex
perience in any lodge, he was serving as
Patron the same term she was orthy
Matron-thus in this as in all other places
and efforts during theiz long happy HE,
they worked together during most pros
porous year in that order.
He was a most wise and lndulgent
father, for he trained his daughter IN the
wavs of business and self-care SO that she
now is abundantly able to carry on the
unfinished tasks he has left, although deep
is her sorrow and loneliness.
In the passing of Mr. A. W. Ward the
State and town has lost most upright IN
telligent long-honored business man, cltl-
zen and servant; heschoois and church
progressive advocate and worker; the
Masonic fraternity a most worthy"
brother and the home and daughter
truly indulgent father and comrade.
AS such a one is taken out of village
life it is not surprising to hear on all
sides:-.'How shall we get along without
bim"7 Well "God sitteth in the shadow,
keeping watch above his own" Truly
lies