USA > Indiana > Memorials of deceased friends who were members of Indiana Yearly Meeting : published by direction of the Yearly Meeting > Part 8
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Ilis concern for his own children remained during his life; often conversing with them, and showing
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them the necessity there was of living in love one with another, and of seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, then all things necessary would be added ; and during his last illness, he wrote an cpistle of advice to them, to which was appended a petition on their behalf.
· From the time that he was recommended to the station of a minister until the winter of 1846, he visited in gospel love most of the meetings belonging to our Yearly Meeting, and many of them several times ; beside having often engaged in family visits within the limits of his own Quarterly Meeting.
Soon after returning from our Yearly Meeting, in 1846, he was taken with a cold, which seemed to affeet his lungs, and produced a considerable cough, but did not entirely confine him.
In the Twelfth month following, notwithstanding his weak state of health, he performed a religious visit to Alum Creek Quarterly Meeting, and some of the meetings thereto belonging; and after returning home from this visit, he continued feeble in body, and in the forepart of the Second month following, he was seized with a violent hemorrhage of the lungs, which soon reduced him to a very weak state, and fears were entertained by his friends and relations that his re- moval was near; but at this time he seemed to be resigned to his condition, exhorting and encouraging those of his friends who visited him to faithfulness; laboring while health and strength were granted unto
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them, to be prepared to meet their change, adding, that although he could not see much in his way, yet he had been led to look very closely into his condition, and felt that he had nothing to depend upon but the inercies of a Redeemer.
Continuing very low for some time, and after about three months confinement to his house, he recovered so that he was again able to attend meeting; and in the Eighth month following, he attended Miami Quar- terly Meeting. After this time, his disease, which was considered to be a pulmonary consumption, increasing, he did not go much more from home during the re- mainder of the summer and fall, except to attend some meetings; undergoing much fatigue to accomplish the same, often saying that it was a trial to him to be de- prived of this privilege ; but he wished to be content in the will of the Lord.
During the forepart of the following winter, his health continued nearly the same, but the coldness of the weather rendered it more difficult for him to attend religious meetings.
Hle had expressed a desire, for some time before, that he might be permitted to attend the three Monthly Meetings belonging to his Quarterly Meet- ing, in the Second month; and when the time arrived, though weak, he attended said meetings, and the Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and Elders ; he then returned home, and this proved to be the last meeting that he ever attended.
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When in attendance at his own Monthly Meeting, he was engaged in a weighty testimony and fervent supplication, that he might be preserved faithful during his remaining time.
Hle informed his friends before the close of the meeting, that he had something on his mind to com- municate, after which he would be under the necessity of leaving the meeting. He then delivered a solemn address, reminding parents of the great responsibility resting on them, of guarding the youth from the snares and vices so abundant in the world, particu- larly with regard to improper reading. IIe then left the meeting. From that time, being about the middle of the Second month, his health gradually declined, and he seemed sensible that his close was near, and said that it afforded him consolation that he could look forward to the time when he should be at rest and peace.
During his confinement, he wrote as follows: "I believe our Society is owned by Christ, the great Head of the Church, and I would not part with my right, and the interest I feel therein, for many worlds like this. Therefore hearken, dear young friends, as well as old; it is with me to testify that none of us can do better than to live consistently with the prin- ciples that we profess.
"O! may you, beloved youth, whose lot it may be to read these lines, have an ear open to hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches, and a heart willing to
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obey the Divine Teacher, that you may look forward to the end of your time, and be prepared for a glorious and joyful meeting in heaven, where parting shall be no more, and where the sorrows and troubles of this world cannot come."
His mind now seemed to be on the awful change that awaited him, and his remarks on that subject were very impressive.
At one time he said : "It is a very solemn con- sideration, my dear relations, that we are to be parted, and never, never see each other again in this world ; but it is my desire that we may all so walk, that we may meet and remain together in a better world. I sometimes think that I should be glad if the Lord would be pleased to take me away at such a time as this; but I desire to be in submission to His will."
During his confinement, which was about two months, he was much visited by a wide circle of friends, to whom he made many weighty and im- pressive remarks, expressing, that although medicine had failed to give any relief to his body, yet he was permitted at times to partake of a little of that healing balsam which comes from the Great Phy- sician of value, and is strengthening to the never- dying soul.
Hle was, for near four weeks previous to his death, deprived of his vocal utterance, and communicated his remarks by whispering, to which he alluded a short time before his end as follows: "It is a great
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trial to me to be deprived of the privilege of con- versing with you more intelligibly; and I would be glad if my voice should be restored before I depart, that I might say something to my friends. I hope, however, to be satisfied and resigned to Ilis will, who ordereth all things well."
At another time, alluding to his service in the min- istry, he said : "I feel that I have been called to exercise the one talent; but I have tried to do my duty. I have regretted that I was not earlier more faithful; it would have been better for me to have given up sooner."
The day before his decease, he appeared evidently to be growing weaker, but remained for several hours to lie quiet, except occasionally coughing spells, until in the evening, when he called his nearest relations around his bed, and taking cach one by the hand, say- ing : " I do not know whether I shall go this evening or not-I want to be prepared ;" and bidding them an affectionate farewell, he remained quiet until near nine o'clock in the morning of the 11th of the Fourth month, 1818, when he quietly breathed his last; and we doubt not his redeemed spirit has entered into eternal rest and peace.
Ilis remains were interred at Mill Creek, on the 13th, attended by a large number of friends and neighbors, after which a solemn meeting was held.
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DAVID OSBORN.
Compiled from the Memorial of Alum Creek Monthly Meeting, Ohio.
DAVID OSBORN was the son of Paul and Abigail Osborn, of Danvers, Massachusetts, and was born First month 5th, 1770. At the age of twenty-seven, he was united in marriage with Anne Benedict, and in the year 1815, they removed and settled within the limits of Alum Creek Monthly Meeting. In the year 1817, he was appointed to the station of an elder.
When a youth, near the close of his apprenticeship, his mind became more thoroughly awakened than it had previously been to the consideration of eternal things, and of the necessity of greater self-denial ; and as he grew in years, he evidently grew in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Ile was diligent in the attendance of our re- ligious meetings, being careful punctually to observe the hour of meeting, and to retire immediately after its close. His solid deportment before, during and after meetings was striking and instructive. Ile was much given up to the service of truth, both in matters pertaining to the discipline of the society, and in accompanying ministering Friends in their travels ;
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and he was also much in the practice of visiting and administering to the necessities of the poor, the sick and afflicted.
For more than twenty years, it was his daily prac- tice to read a portion of the Holy Scriptures in his family, and having derived much benefit there- from, he often felt constrained to encourage his friends in the same practice. He set a commendable example of plainness and Christian simplicity in manners and dress, and in the furniture of his house, and was re- markable for his candor, his unfeigned humility, and his unassuming yet fervent piety.
Ilis last illness was short but severe, and borne with great patience and cheerful resignation. He conversed but little during it, and this being spoken of in his presence, hie remarked, that there is a great difference in persons in regard to expressing their feelings at such a time ; some have but little to say, and others seem full to overflowing; that he had not felt like saying much about himself, feeling that he was but a poor weak creature; that he felt resigned to his lot; that he had expected to recover from the commencement of this attack; that he saw nothing in his way, yet he did not know why there should not be, for he merited nothing-it was all of mercy.
When it was evident that his end was approaching, it was observed to him that his release was doubtless near at hand, and that a mansion was prepared for him in the Heavenly Father's house; to which he
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made reply : " That is a great deal to say ; though I sce nothing in my way, yet I may be mistaken. When I look back and see my many short-comings and misses, I can hardly look for this. It is only in mercy-great mercy ; it is our duty to be resigned to Ilis will."
Nearly the last words which he distinctly articu- lated were these: "There remaineth a rest to the people of God. I have been so deficient I cannot claim it, but I have a hope;" adding in a very sweet and melodious tone of voice : "We have a merciful Creator and Redeemer."
HIe died on the 14th day of the Eleventh month, 1849, aged seventy-nine years, ten months and nine days, and was interred in Friends' burying-ground, at Alum Creek.
BENAJAH HIATT.
A Memorial of Milford Monthly Meeting of Friends, Indiana, concerning BENAJAH HIATT, deceased.
THE loss of this, our dear and honored friend in the truth, is deeply felt among us. Ilis exemplary and Christian course, his encouraging and edifying conver- sation, together with his gospel labors, many have causo long to remember.
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And as it hath pleased Him, whose way is perfect, to remove our dear friend from among us, we believe it may be right to issue a memorial concerning him.
This we do under a solemn sense of our loss, and that while the faithful are taken away, too few lay it deeply to heart, or endeavor to follow their example. Yet we trust all would desire to die the death of the righteous, and that their latter end might be like his. In speaking of our friend as a servant of the Lord, bound to the law and the testimony, we desire to as- cribe the gift and the glory to Ilim alone, by whose grace he was what he was.
. He was born in Guilford county, North Carolina, on the 17th of Seventh month, 1773. Ilis parents, William and Charity Iliatt, were orderly, exemplary Friends, and concerned to train up their children con- sistently with their profession. While quite a youth, he was brought to think of a future state, and the ten- dering influences of the spirit of divine grace made a deep impression on his mind, and produced a sensible and visible influence upon his manners and conduct, inducing him to avoid much of that lightness and vanity which frequently appear in youth, on which ac- count he was remarked as orderly.
Soon after coming to his twenty-first year, he en- gaged with an uncle, who was a saddler, to learn the trade. His conduct was still remarked as orderly and exemplary, and although he was of like frailties and passions of others, yet, as he yielded to the secret in-
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timations of the spirit of Truth, he grew in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ; and he has been heard to relate, that faith- fulness to these secret intimations had not only pre- served him from associating with the vain and thought- less, but on one occasion in particular, from being in- volved in a snare and difficulty-a favor for which he was ever afterward thankful.
To firmness and decision of character were added, through divine grace, a gentle, affectionate, and retir- ing disposition. These qualities made him an agree- able associate for the sober-minded, whether old or young.
Ile was married in the 24th year of his age, to Elizabeth White, daughter of Isaac and Catharine White, who proved a steady and valuable companion through the various probations of a long and useful life. They entered into their near and interesting connection possessed of very little property, and he had but a moderate share of school learning; yet, being industrious and diligent in business, upright in · his dealings, and remarkably punctual in complying with his engagements, his pecuniary affairs prospered, and he soon procured the means of being comfortably settled. He was very careful at this period, and in all after life, about entering into debt, or making engage- ments without being well satisfied of his ability to fulfill them punctually. Liberality and benevolence were prominent features in his character; in contribu-
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tions for Society purposes, or for the relief of the poor and needy, he was among the foremost of his ability- a practice which he recommended to others.
His temporal affairs were kept in great subjection to religious duty. When about home, he usually spent a portion of the day in reading in the Scrip- tures or some other good book, frequently having some of his children seated by him; and on meeting days it was his practice to suspend business, and the family were taken to meeting. He manifested great interest in the welfare of Society, and was much. en- gaged under appointments for the right ordering of the affairs of the Church, and was remarkable for his readiness to leave his domestic concerns, to assist on their way such Friends as were traveling through the neighborhood in Truth's service.
Being impressed with the evils of intemperance, and believing the practice of using ardent spirits as an article of drink (even in a small way) as unsafe and unnecessary, he became prepared to use his influ- ence in promoting the entire disuse of it among Friends, and in discouraging its use, both by example and pre- cept, wherever opportunity seemed to offer.
The subject of slavery had long been one of deep concern to many Friends, and the Yearly Meeting in North Carolina had, through much labor by faithful Friends in various parts, brought about the emancipa- tion of the slaves held by its members, and established a point of discipline against holding slaves; yet much
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remained to be done in the way of public reform, with a view to effect the legal abolition of slavery through- out the State. In this he was actively engaged, ex- erting his influence for many years to bring about this desirable object, and for the welfare of the colored population in general.
He traveled considerably as companion and pilot to ministering Friends, to which service he seemed much given up, and in which he was very useful.
Although his education was quite limited, yet he gave decided encouragement and liberal support to the religious and literary instruction of the rising generation. But he much discouraged light, vain reading, such as is contained in many books and in most of the periodicals of the day, believing it calcu- lated to divert the mind from the simplicity of the truth, and to disqualify it for appreciating the value of the Holy Scriptures, and all other religious books. In the politics of the day he took very little part, and discouraged all political excitement, in which some of our members suffer their minds at times to be en- tangled.
As a father and head of a family, he discharged the duties and responsibilities in much faithfulness, and having the affection, he still retained the authority over his household; and his Christian care was such as to make a lasting impression for good on many who were subjects of it. And although he entertained an hum- ble opinion of his own abilities and attainments, yet
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by yielding to the influence of divine grace, which, through faith, ever remains to be sufficient to sustain the dedicated follower of Christ, his mind became pre- pared for the work of the ministry. Ilis communica- tions were seldom extensive, but were satisfactory and edifying to his friends.
On one occasion he visited, with the approbation of his friends, several families of colored people, residing in the neighborhood, for their help and encouragement, which proved satisfactory.
In 1823, he was acknowledged a minister of the gospel ; his life and conversation corresponding with the doctrine he preached to others.
Our friend had long deplored the existence of slavery, and labored much for its suppression, and the amelioration of the condition of the colored people ; and as the thought of raising and leaving a family in that country in the midst of such cruelty and oppres- sion, was very unpleasant, he looked toward removing to a free State ; and on finding his way clear, he ac- cordingly removed to Indiana, in 1824, and settled in the limits of this meeting, where he resided the re- mainder of his days. In 1827, he visited, with the approbation of his Monthly Meeting, some families who were not members.
Ile never traveled extensively in the work of the ministry ; but being firm in the doctrines of the gos- pel, with a clear view of the value of religious union and fellowship, he was called into much service by
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Society, and his services have been useful and helpful to Friends, particularly through the separations and schisms that have been permitted to come upon our Society of latter years.
In 1831, with the unity of his Monthly Meeting, he attended New Garden Quarterly Meeting, and vis- ited the meetings constituting it. And from this time to the year 1845, he was frequently engaged, with the approbation of his friends, in religious visits to many of the different meetings within the limits of our Yearly Meeting, and some of the families; and when about home, in addition to his gospel labors there, he was frequently engaged in visiting neighbor- ing meetings, the sick, the aged and the infirm, and many others whom he thought needed the countenance of a friend.
The last meeting he attended was his own particu- lar week-day meeting in the Ninth month, 1847, be- ing very unwell at the time. In the meeting he feel- ingly expressed a desire for the encouragement of Friends, that they might have faith and faint not ; citing the passage of Scripture, "If ye then being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him."
From that time his illness (which appeared to be a kind of intermittent fever) continued, though for a while in a mild form, not confining him to his bed, but he seemed to be impressed with an apprehension that
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he would not recover, several times remarking that he thought it would be his last illness. In a short time his complaint so increased that his friends and rela- tions were doubtful of his recovery, and for a few days he was so as not to converse, declined taking any nourishment, and lay very quietly; but becoming some better, he again conversed freely and affectionately, retaining his usual faculties, and seemed to enjoy the company of his friends who came to visit him.
Our Yearly Meeting now coming on (being the first that he had been prevented from attending since his residence within its limits), he manifested a lively in- terest in the affairs of the Church, inquiring, when opportunity offered, after the Ycarly Meeting, saying that though he was not able to be present, yet in his mind he took a part.
IIe also expressed some thoughtfulness, whether he had not, in his late low condition, been too anxious to depart; but he was now thankful that he felt more resigned to await the right time, manifesting entire resignation-quietly awaiting his approaching change.
Hle expressed a concern for the welfare of his own particular meeting, and endeavored to encourage to faithfulness some friends, on whom he apprehended the weight of upholding it to the honor of truth, would much depend.
Ile also mentioned his burial, and desired that he might be laid away in that plain, becoming manner in
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which he had endeavored to live. His decease took place, in great quietness, on the 14th of Tenth month, 1847, in the seventy-fourth year of his age, and we have a comfortable assurance that, through redeeming love and mercy, his spirit has been admitted into that rest prepared for the righteous.
His burial (which was in Friends' burying-ground at Milford), on the 16th, was largely attended by Friends and others.
JESSE HUNT.
Compiled from the Memorial of Newberry Monthly Meeting, Ohio.
HE was the son of Jacob and Lydia Hunt, and was born in Grayson county, Virginia, Sixth month, 27th, 1810. His parents removed to the limits of Newberry Monthly Meeting, Ohio, in the year 1816. In the 23d year of his age he was united in marriage with Anna, daughter of Henry and Sarah Moon.
It is noted that his deportment was orderly, he was diligent in the attendance of our religious meeting, and manifested a lively interest in the affairs of the Society, and a deep concern for its welfare.
In the twenty-third year of his age he was appointed to the station of an elder. In the discharge of his
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duty in this station he deeply felt the responsibility which devolved upon him, and the necessity there was for waiting for a right qualification in the perform- ance of any service which might be required at his hands. He was frequently engaged in laboring for the maintenance of love and unity among Friends, particularly in his neighborhood, and for the proper support of our various Christian Testimonies ; and in matters appertaining to the discipline of the Church, his judgment was clear and sound and much valued by Friends. In the early stages of his last illness he was impressed with the belief that he would not re- cover, and an earnest desire pervaded his mind that he might know himself prepared to meet his final change. He was afterward, through adorable mercy, permitted to feel that his sins were blotted out, and his transgressions forgiven, through the blood of the Lamb. He was also deeply concerned for the young friends of his Monthly Meeting, and on one occasion, addressing his nephew, he exhorted him to "put thy trust in Him who alone is able to preserve thee from the snares and temptations of this alluring world." When it appeared that his final close was near at hand, his family was summoned to his bedside, and after taking an affectionate leave of his wife and chil- dren, and giving them appropriate advice, he exhorted them " to prepare to meet him in heaven, where he believed he was going," and "to grieve not for him, for their loss would be his eternal gain." Soon after
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he said, "O glorious things I have seen this night. The light of ten thousand suns is nothing in comparison to the light I have seen. I have seen angels worship- ing around the throne of God, and I have faith to believe I soon shall join them." Again he said : "The Lord is with me, and angels and spirits are around my bed to keep me from harm, and to accompany me through the dark valley ;" and thus he continued re- joicing in hope until he quietly breathed his last on the 2d of the Ninth month, 1850, in the forty-first year of his age.
JEREMIAH HUBBARD.
Memorial of Whitewater Monthly Meeting of Friends, Indiana, concerning JEREMIAH HUBBARD, deceased, who departed this life, at the house of his son-in- law, in the neighborhood of New Garden, Indiana, on the 23d day of the Eleventh month, 1849, aged nearly seventy-three years ; and was buried at that place on the 25th of the same-a Minister about thirty-five years.
THE memory of this dear Friend being fresh in the minds of many of us, we incline to preserve upon record some memorial of him as follows :
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He was born in Virginia, on the 13th day of the Second month, 1777, and brought up in Person county, North Carolina. His parents were not at that time members of our religious society, but were piously inclined, and manifested a concern to bring up their children in a religious life.
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