THE RECENT STORM

The storm and consequent cold wave on Saturday last was a reminder that winter still lingered in the lap of spring. Seldom has a storm so late in the season caused such widespread damage as did that of last week. New York City alone expended several thousands of dollars for the removal of the snow, and much suffering and inconvenience was caused among the poor. The gales along the seaboard were very severe and resulted in the loss of several ships, including the Prins Maurits, with forty-nine persons on board. Evidences of the storm disappeared very rapidly and by Sunday noon scarcely a vestige of the snowfall was to be encountered anywhere except on the higher elevations and secluded sections of the country. It was, we believe, the final blast of winter, and we hope April will soon begin to favor us with her gentleness and pleasing personality.

OBITUARY.

Frederick M. Blessing.

Frederick M. Blessing, for the past seventeen years a resident of Voorheesville, died at his home in that village early Monday morning, after a brief illness. He came from his work as a juror in Albany on Thursday, March 18th, feeling somewhat ill. Measles developed, and other complications hastened the end.

Mr. Blessing was born in Guilderland October, 1851, and had spent all his life there and in the town of New Scotland. Of late years he had been living a somewhat retired life, comforting and caring for his semi-invalid wife. There were no children born of this union.

Early in life Mr. Blessing united with the Presbyterian Church of Guilderland, then by transfer to New Scotland, and finally to Voorheesville. Such were his spiritual qualities, that his church recognized his work as an elder and has continued him in office, with but one year’s intermission, for the past 17 years. He was a man of few words, a retiring man, whose life spoke more loudly for the church and Christianity’s cause than any words possibly could. His seat was as constantly occupied by him at the Sabbath services and the midweek prayer meeting as was the preacher’s chair occupied by the pastor. By his constancy he showed his loving loyalty. The memory of his fidelity to the church of his choice and to the cause of God is a rich bequeathment to his friends. To be what we profess to be, to serve God through the church that we have vowed to serve, is only common everyday honesty. We may all learn much from Mr. Blessing’s honesty, sincerity, fidelity and devotion. Being dead, his life speaks loudly of these four forceful forces.

His funeral was held on Wednesday morning, his pastor, Rev. S. M. Adsit, officiating. Burial was in the family plot in the Guilderland cemetery. His widow, in her sudden bereavement and incalculable loss, has the sympathy of a large circle of friends.