Year: 1876




MIR. SPEAKER 1t becomes painful duty i'm
posed upon me to announce to this House th'
death OF John F. Robinson, ESQ.,, of Holden. A
member elect, he has not been privileged to ST
with us in our deliberations, though hoping, from
the insiduous nature of the disease which wa
clinging to him, that he might be able to be with
us during the winter, yet his friends have beer
disappointed, and he has been called from among
them.


Mr.. Robinson was man of industry, of NOR,
than ordinary ability, man of sound common
sense man devoted to the interests Of his family
to the interests of his town which has honored hia
with many of its offices. He was q man devoted
to the interests Of his church, Of which he was
faithful and distinguished member. He was
man Of respectable repute 10 the vicinity where
he resided. This is the testimony Of those who
knew him most intimately. 1t 10 not an uncom
mon occurrence to speak Of the departure of mem
oefs OF this body; and yet, the present occasion
is sad one, and more especially go to the family
that has been bereft of kind and loving husbanc
and father. His work is done, and now, to show
the respect of this House, beg to offer the fol-
loving resolutions and move their adoption:


Resolved, That this House receives information
of the death of John +. Robinson, q member
elect OF this body from the town Of Holden, with
profound grief, and sees in this nscrutable decree
Of the divine wisdom, solemn reminder of that
eternity to which we are all rapidly Fastening.


Resolved, That the faithful and constant efforts
Of the deceased for the good of the community in
which he lived, his patience under the slow raw
ages Of disease, and his high reputation and up
right life, furnish examples to all for the prop
er use OF our opportunities, both in public and
private life.


Resolved, That as mark of respect for the
memory of the deces sed, his seat in this House
be draped in mourning for seven days.


Resolved That these resolutions be entered
upon the Journal Of the House, and copy signed
by the Speaker and Clerk forwarded to the family
Of the deceased.


The resolutions were unanimously adopted


Mr. HAMILTON Of Dexter rose and said:


Mr.. SPEAkER:-It becomes my painful duty to
announce the death of George w. Getchell, Esq,
Q member Of this House, who died at his home in
Plymouth on the oath inst.


Mr.. Getchell was present at the organization of
this House, and it is bui very few days since he
occupied seat here in our midst, with a better
prospect of long and useful life than many of US
who are left. His vacant seat draped in mourn
ing speaks to us to-day in language more elo-
quent and impressive than any words that can
possibly utter, and forcibly reminds us of the
shortness and uncertainty of human life; and it
admonshes us to be also ready for we know not
when or whose seat may be vacant next.


Mr.. Getchell was o farmer and mechanic. of in
dustrious and frugal habits-a man Of sound judg-
ment, and respected in the community in which
he lived. 1t was my good fortune to make his
acquaintance, and it gives me pleasure TO say, that
he was man of sterling integrity, respected
and honored citizen, and in all the social relations
of life he sustained unblemished character.
Nav we emulate his virtues.


We shall miss him here, but he will be missed
more in the circle of bis acquaintances where he
was better known, for to know him was to respect
him. The loss will be more keenly felt by the
members Of his family, where the arrow Of af1ic-
tion will make the deepest wounds, causing the
greatest grief and the deepest sorrow. And as q
token of respect and sympathy present these re-
solves and move that they be adopted:


Resolved, That this House has received with
profound sorrow the intelligence of the death Of
George W. Getchell, late o Representative from
the town of Plymouth, and that the circumstances
Of his death serve forcibly to remind us that "in
the midst Of life we are in death" and to admon-
lsh US to prepare for that eternity of whose COM
ing we know not the day or hour.


Resolved, That the members of this House bear
willing testimony to the many virtues and high
character of the deceased, and that we feel sure
that in the light Of his example we all may learn
higher views Of our duties as Legislators and men.


Resolved, That these resolves be entered upon
the journal Of the House. and copy, signed by
the Speaker and Clerk. be forwarded 10 the family
Of our deceased fellow member.


Resolved, That as mark OF respect for the
memory of the deceased, his seat in this House be
draped in mourning for seven days.


On motion of Mr.. NEALLEY, the Clerk was
directed TO notify the Senate of the passage of the
two foregoing sets of resolutions, and as further
mark of respect to the deceased members, the
House then adjourned.