Year: 1873

Death loves a shining mark.


Ofttimes the young, the fair, the Gift
ed, the dearly loved and fondly cher
ished must bow to the stern mandate
that sewers ''the golden chain," loos
ems 'the Silver cord" and breaks the
pitcher at the fountain" as in the
case Of our dear departed sister
MARY l.. JONES.


She was born in Poultney, Vt.
Dec. l4th, 1859; removed with hel
parents to this County in the fall OF
1855, where she resided till her death
March 25th, 1878; endearing her
self to a large circle of friends by her
many noble qualities of mind and
heart. None knew but to love her
none named her but to praise. Her
untlring energy and zeal in every
undertaking and earnest desire to
excel, united with an amiable dispo-
sition, rendered her an acceptable
and successful teacher; everywhere
winning the hearts Of her pupils, en-
couraging them to set their mark
higher and live for a noble purpose.
She possessed the kind and generous
heart of an Electa. The poorest of
her flock always found in her a
sympathetic friend, For such she
ever had kind words and pleasant
smiles that left impressions on their
young hearts never to be etfaced.
Though warned by failing health
that she needed rest she taught until
the spring of 1872, when she left
school duties to assume new respon-
sibihties; left earl V associations and
childhood's friends to gladden. the
heart and home of him she had chOs-
en- from all the world beside to be
her life companion. Alas. how soon
tomeet her last great change. ''Robed
for the bridal and robed for the grave"
with only few fieetiag months be-
tween. Last year June's clustering
roses crowned her a queenly bride
to-day they blossom above an early
grave; while in the realms above,
her freed spirit is wreathed with
heavenly immortelles.


How passingly sweet the transition
From her EaTth-Lome to Home III the


sky.


Surely death was robbed of its terror.
To our sister twas Heaven to die


As she faded, day by day, all that
art could devise, or love suggest was
adduced to arrest the fell disease; but
Jesus love and claim was more po-
tent than any earthly tie While
friends fondly sought to prolong her
stay He beckoned her away, and
angels sung a welcome home
Though we think Of her now as wear
ing starry crown, a shining, and
tuning golden harp with the angel
ic choir above, we sadly miss her
earthly presence. When told by her
sister Life would be nothing with
out herr she said 80, live noble
lives and sometimes think Of me-
In the social circle, which she was
so eminently fitted to adOrn, the loss
is deeply felt. The Sabbath-schoOl has
lost an earnest and faithful teacher.
1t was a dying wish that she might
be remembered by the different socie-
ties of which she was a member.
These, too, miss her genial smile,
cheerful voice and energetic mind,
and mourn the loss of one of their
brightest ornaments. o, how the
parents, brothers and sister miss their
loved and precious one.


sadly. so sadly, our bosoms are swell


ing,


Up from our lone hearts the tear drops


are yelling,


She was our sunshine" " the light of


our dwelling.


Mary, our darling"


They can hardly realize that she
is gone TO return no more, and al
most listen for the light foot-step,
expecting to meet the warm presence
of her life and see the sunny smile
vet are Knocked by the remembrance
that they have laid her away in the
silent tomb. There is another, a
stricken mourner, whose aching heart
so sadly misses the fond, confding
spirit who. for a few brief months,
was the light of his home and with
whom he trustingly hoped to spend
a long and happy life. Alas! how
seldom are life's brightest fancies re-
allied. To-day, sad and alone, he
treads life's weary way. The strong
est tie that bound her to earth was
her love for husband and dear friends.