1883

John A. Gordon, Esq., son of Hon. John W.Gordon of our class, is an attorney for the C. I. O. Labor Union, which has had under consideration the wage question in Barre, Vt.

His father was a prominent member of '83 and was the first one to advocate publicly a Vermont State income tax. After it had been carefully considered and decided that it was a worthy measure for procuring needed income, he assisted in formulating legislation to enact the project into law, he then being a member of the Vermont State Senate from Washington County.

The impending cloud that threatened the lite of Mrs. Watson, as reported in my last previous notes, finally culminated with a fatal stroke, the worst that could possibly befall me, and its dark, grievous shadow obliterated the light in my home which she had made bright for so many years in a dutiful, dignified married life. She was summoned by her Maker for relief and eternal rest which He had determined she had justly earned to a better world, leaving me all alone with not a single near relative to give me cheer and comfort but just a mere bauble, it would seem, tossed about on a tempestuous, broad world ocean.

She passed on to the Great Beyond, October 13, 1948, and was buried in Hartford cemetery three days later amid a wealth of flowers which she always loved.

In her prime she had one of the nicest flower gardens in the state and Governor Allen M. Fletcher of Vermont once told her that it was equal to any that he had seen in Italy.

She did not die for she still lives in the hearts of her many relatives, friends and acquaintances.

She had a varied existence and lived an unusually quiet, Christian life. She was a conscientious, dutiful wife, affectionate mother, a friend of the poor and needy and she won the esteem and love of all who knew her.

Her kindly attitude towards those in trouble had an alleviating and helpful influence.

She was a charter member of Thomas Chittenden Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and its first regent, and also a charter member of Wenona Chapter No. 43 of the Order of the Eastern Star, wherein she filled the position of "Martha." She was also a member of the Daughters of 1812 and the

Vermont Society of Colonial Dames. July 3rd last, Mrs. Watson and I quietly observed the 65th anniversary of our marriage.

Sic itur ad astra.

Secretary, Treasurer and Class Agent

Hartford, Vt.