'jCT IX 1922
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IN MEMORIAM.

Governor Bodwell.

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IN MEMORIAM.

Hon. Joseph R. Bodwell,

GOVERNOR OF MAINE.

Born June i8, 1818. Died December 15, 1887,
f\f> r3 . Lapkarr*.

PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE GOVERNOR p^ COUNCIL.

AUGUSTA:
BUELEIGH & FLTNT, PKINTEKS TO THE STATE.
1888.

STATE OF MAINE.

In Council. December 20, 1887.
Ordered, That a special committee bo appointed to employ a suitable
person to prepare a report of the ceremonies of the funeral of the late
Governor Bodwell and have the same printed. Read and passed by the
Council, and by the Governor approved. ORAMANDAL SMITH,
Secretary of State.

STATE OF MAINE.

Council Chamber, 1
Augusta, December 29, 1887. J
Dr. wm, B, LAPHAM, Augusta, Maine.
Dear Sir: The undersigned, a committee of the Council appointed by
Governor Marble pursuant to the foregoing order, knowing your friend
ship for our late esteemed Governor Bodwell, and having confidence in
your qualilications for such a duty, invite you to prepare a brief bio
graphical sketch of our late Governor, an account of his sickness,
death and funeral, -with such tributes from the press, and resolutions of
respect passed on the occasion, and such other matter as may be deemed
appropriate, in manner and form to be printed.
Ye.ry Respectfully,
Elliott Wood, "j
Geo, M, Warren, [¦ Committee.
Eben E, Rand, j

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.

Joseph Robinson Bodwell was born in Methuen, Mass.,-
June 18, 1818, and was the tenth in a family of eleven child
ren. The house where he and his brothers and sisters were
born, situated in that part of Methuen which, in 1847, was
set off and incorporated as Lawrence, is still standing in a
good state of preservation. It is now owned by Mr. Fred
Clark, agent of the Pemberton Mills, who has a residence
opposite, and has been occupied for a number of years by
teachers of the High School. This house, which was occu
pied by five generations of Bodwells, is an old-fashioned
mansion house, similar to those erected quite generally by
well-to-do New England farmers a hundred years ago. It is
of good size, two stories high, and surrounded by grand old
trees. One of these trees is said to have been set out
the day before Governor Bodwell's father was born. Joseph
Bodwell, father of the Governor, was a kind-hearted, gener
ous man, was always cheerful, and had a pleasant word for
every one who came beneath his roof-tree. Many a weary
traveller found welcome and hospitality at his fireside and
table. He wfis a man of influence, was one of the directors
of the old Andover bridge across the Merrimack, possessed
a sound judgment and his opinion was sought after and valued
on many occasions. But he became involved in suits at law,
lost money by signing notes for friends, and finally, in 1829,
he sold the old place and removed to a less pretentious one
in West Haverhill. He always predicted that there woald
be a city at the Falls, and lived to see it commenced. Mary
How, the mother of Governor Bodwell, born January 17,

6
1771, daughter of Joseph and Hannah (Carlton) How, was
a superior and cultured woman. Her family was always
prominent and influential in Methuen, and her relatives sup
plied deacons for the Congregational church there for more
than a century. She was a sister of the late Daniel How, a
successful Portland merchant. Joseph Bodwell was a team
ster us well as farmer, and engaged more or less in conveying
wood, lumber and country produce to Salem, and later, to
Lowell, bringing back merchandise for the traders in Methuen,
Haverhill and Andover. He could turn his hand to almost
anything, and this peculiarity was inherited by the late
Governor. Joseph R. Bodwell lived with his parents upon the Bod
well farm until he was eight years of agel His oldest sister,
Mary, was now married to Patrick Flemming, who owned and
occupied a farm in the western part of Methuen, about five
miles from the Bodwell homestead. Joseph was her favorite
brother, and when she became settled in her new home, she
wished him to live with her, and he could easily be spared,
for without him the family was still large. He lived with his
sister eight years, at which time Patrick Flemming died. He
had now developed into a sturdy youth, and already begun
to exhibit many of those qualities which distinguished his
maturer years. He thus early aspired to the ownership of
real estate, and after the death of his brother-in-law, he and
his father purchased of his sister and others, the Flemming
farm, which was one of the best in that portion of the State.
As his parents advanced in years, both being fedble and past
labor, an arrangement was made, in 1848, by which they
went to live with their daughter, Mrs. Asa Simonds, when
the Flemming farm became the property of Joseph R. Bod
well and his brother Henry. The parents died before the
close of the year 1848, with an interval of only three weeks
between the dates of their deaths.
It was soon after the Bodwells purchased the Flemming
farm that the attention of the Lawrences, and other Boston
manufacturers and capitalists, was directed to the advantages

of the fiills upon the Merrimack river, within the town of
Methuen, known as Bodwell's Falls, for manufacturing pur
poses. The land about the falls was soon purchased, building
operations were at once commenced on an extensive scale,
and the frame for the first house built under the new regime
was furnished by Joseph R. and Heniy Bodwell, who now
owned and were operating a saw-mill in connection with their
other business. The brothers were plowing in the field when
Mr. Job Jenness came and desired them to furnish the frame
for a house. With characteristic energy they repaired to the
mill, sawed the timber for the frame, and the following day
took it to Lawrence, a distance of five miles. When the dam
across the Merrimack was being built, Joseph R. and Henry
Bodwell were employed in hauling the granite from the quar
ries in Pelham, N. H., for its construction. It required an
immense amount of stone for this purpose, and it was while
thus employed that Governor Bodwell took his initial lesson
in that business which became his life pursuit, and in
which he achieved great success. He here became familiar
with all the numerous processes involved in quarrying,
handling and working granite, and it was at this period, while
cultivating the Flemming farm, that he formed that attach
ment to agricultural pursuits and stock-raising which he never
lost, and which became his pastime in later years. In pro
cess of time the brothers made a division of their property,
Joseph R. taking the farm for his share, and Henry the mills.
By greater care in its cultivation, the farm had become more
productive and had greatly increased in value. In 1848, Mr.
Bodwell was married and brought his wife to this farm, and
here his family continued to reside until he moved to Hallo-
well, in 1866.
It was not poverty, as has frequently been stated, that
caused Joseph R. Bodwell to leave the paternal roof at the
tender ago of eight years. His father had a large family, it
is true, and his means had been somewhat reduced by the
dishonesty of those whom he had befriended, but he was able
to meet the demands of his household, and if they lacked

8
some of the luxuries, as did most families in those days, his
fiimily certainly never wanted for any of the necessaries of
life. He left home because his childless sister wanted him
and needed his companionship, and he there received the full
measure of a sister's affection. He assisted his brother-in-law
upon the farm, aided his sister in her household duties, at
tended the district school, learned the cordwainer's trade,
and devoted his evenings and mornings to mending and mak
ing shoes. This was a busy life for a boy, but it was char
acteristic of Joseph R. Bodwell, both as boy and man. He
was early noted for honesty, perseverance, economy and
thrift, and these sterling qualities became leading traits in his
character. He developed physical as well as mental strength,
and thus, with mind and body evenly balanced, in his maturer
manhood he possessed great powers of endurance, and was
able to execute the business projects which his fertile and
active mind conceived and matured. As has been appropri
ately said of another distinguished New Englander who came
up from the lower walks of life and attained to the highest
honors, " the defects of his scholarship, the laborious period
of his youth, and the humble avocations of his early man
hood, were favorable to his fortunes." In the case of Gov
ernor Bodwell, they seemed to keep him on a level with the
masses of the people, and enabled him to understand and in
terpret their desires and purposes with accuracy. He early
developed in a marked degree that peculiar assemblage of
physical, mental and moral qualities so requisite to the suc
cessful management of great business enterprises, requiring
the employment of large numbers of men.
In 1852 in company with Hon. Moses Webster, who deceased
at Rockland about a year ago, Governor Bodwell came to
Maine. They had been friends in Massachusetts, had worked
together at the Pelham quarries, both in their earlier years
had worked at shoemaking, and besides they were remotely
related, though it is doubtful if either of them was ever
aware of this fact. It was in this way. Henry Bodwell, the
ancestor of the Governor, married Bethiah, daughter of John

Emery, Jr., of Newbury, whose mother was Mary, daughter
of John Webster of Ipswich, and John Webster was there
fore the common ancestor of Moses Webster and Joseph R.
Bodwell, about six generations back. Under the firm name
of Bodwell and Webster, they commenced operating in granite,
in a small way, having their headquarters upon the South
Fox Island, now the sea-girt town of Vinalhaven in Penobscot
Bay. At their small beginning, it is said that Mr. Bodwell
drove the ox team nsed in moviijg the granite, and shod the
animals with his own hands. From this small starting point,
sprang wondrous results. Soon the business increased, the
firm name became Bodwell, Webster and Company, and cap
ital sought investment in the new enterprize.
The next change was the organization of the Bodwell
Granite Company with a sufficient capital, and leading busi
ness men to aid in the management of its affairs, but the
moving and master spirit from the very first was Joseph R.
Bodwell, who, soon after he came to Maine, was recognized
as the leading granite man of, the United States. He was
chosen the first president of the Company and held that
position to the day of his death. Under his prudent and
energetic management, it became the leading granite corpora
tion in the country. Mr. Bodwell had long felt the need, in
his business operations, of granite of a lighter color and finer
texture than that which he had quarried at Vinalhaven, for
monumental work, and for artistic designs in architecture.
The Hallowell granite presented all these rare qualities, and
in 1866, Mr. Bodwell moved his family from Methuen to
Hallowell, and a little later, organized the Hallowell Granite
Company, of which he was made president aud chief executive
officer. Soon after the Company was organized the business
assumed huge proportions. The products of the association
have been sent into almost every State in the Union. Its
colossal statuary, rivalling in durability and beauty the finest
marble, is to be found in all our great cities from Portland to
New Orleans, and it has an increasing and widely extending
demand. The following list embraces some of the more

10
prominent buildings and monuments which have been con- -
structed from the product ofthe quarries ofthe two associations
of which Mr. Bodwell was president :
New State, War and Navy Departments Building, Wash
ington, D. C. ; Masonic Temple, Record building, and Penn
sylvania R. R. Passenger Station, &c., Philadelphia ; new Court
House and Post Office, Atlanta, Ga. ; new Custom House
and Post Office, Cincinnati, Ohio ; new County and City Build
ing, new Board of Trade Building, Offices for Pullman Co.,
Counselman Building, Home Insurance Co. Building, Chicago,
111. ; St. Louis Bridge, Missouri ; New York and Brooklyn
Bridge, Welles Building, Mutual Life Insurance Company
Building, Manhattan Bank Building, Kelley Building, &c.,
New York ; Wellington Building, Jordan, Marsh & Co. Build
ing, &c., Boston; new Custom House and Post Office, Fall
River, Mass. ; Peabody Town Buildings, Peabody, Mass., &c. ;
Gen. Wool Monument, Troy, N. Y. ; Pilgrim Monument,
Plymouth, Mass. ; Yorktown Monument; Smith Monument,
Philadelphia, Pa. ; mausoleum and monument for Dr. Gibson,
Jamestown, Pa., &c, ; new Post Office and Custom House,
Brooklyn, N. Y. ; basement of new Post Office and Court
House iit Erie, Penn. ; North Western Insurance Co. Building,
Milwaukee, Wis. ; polished granite for the State House,
Indianapolis, Indiana, ; New York Equitable Life Building,
New York City ; State Capitol Building, Albany, N. Y. ;
West Museum of Art Building, New York City ; mausoleum
for Governor Fenton of Jamestown, New York, &c., &o.
The Sphynx in Mount Auburn Cemetery, a stupendous mon
ument, was quarried and cut at Hallowell. This list embraces
only some of the larger operations undertaken and completed
by the two companies. The minor contracts for soldiers'
monuments and other monumental work are far too many to
be enumerated here. But the list given is sufficient to indi
cate the vast amount of responsibility which rested upon Gov
ernor Bodwell as the chief business manager, and the success
ful completion of all these numerous contracts, involvinff the
outlay of many millions, shows business tact and ability of a

11
very high order. It involved the constant employment of a
small army of workmen, including first class artists and arti
sans, and workers of every grade. The two corporations
under Governor Bodwell's management never found any diffi
culty in the employment of help. They never had any
strikers among their workmen, and a good man once in their
employ never thought of leaving it. From his own experi
ence. Governor Bodwell knew how to sympathize with the
laboring classes. He interested himself in their individual
prosperity, and men in his employ soon came to regard him
as their personal friend.
The active mind of Governor Bodwell, not content with
the business intrusted to him by the two great granite compa
nies, sought investment and profit in other enterprises. He had
interests in ice and lumbering on the Kennebec, in land,
lumbering and milling operations on the Penobscot, in
several water supply companies, and in a projected line of
railway between New York and Boston. A minor operation
but one which promised important results, was the develop
ment of a sea-side resort at Cape Small Point on the coast of
Maine. He never lost his interest in agriculture, and soon
after he came to Hallowell, he purchased a fine farm in the
suburbs of that city, which he improved and enlarged from
time to time, by purchase, until he possessed one of the best
and most productive farms on the Kennebec. A few years
ago, he purchased for a small sum an old and run-down farm
situated some five miles west of Hallowell, of one of his
workmen who had failed to get a living from it. It contained
a large area of bog-land, the bed of an ancient pond, and by
draining and other improvements, under Governor Bodwell's
.direction, it soon became one of the best stock farms in the
county. In 1879, in partnership with Mr. Hall C. Burleigh, Gov
ernor Bodwell commenced the importation of pure-bred stock,
and this was continued for several years. The importations
embraced Hereford, Polled Angus and Sussex cattle, and
Shropshire aud Dorset sheep. This was not entered into as

12
a money-making enterprise on the part of Governor Bodwell,
but as a pastime from more arduous duties, and as a means
of assisting a friend. The business was eminently success
ful, and not only served its original purpose of an amuse
ment or diversion, but it was a source of financial gain, of
great importance, at least to one of the partners, and also
accomplished a great amount of good in the improvemeint of
stock in many parts of the country. They sold animals from
their farms in Hallowell and Vassalborough all over New
England, into several of the Middle States, and no small part
of their importations went to improve the breeds on the great
stock ranches and ranges of the far west.
Governor Bodw,ell was not a politician in the ordinary
meaning of the term, but he always took a deep interest in
public affairs, and few men had a clearer appreciation of what
constitutes true American citizenship. He never sought offi
cial distinction, but office was sometimes thrust upon him.
Twice he served in the lower branch of the Maine Legisla
ture as representative from the city of Hallo we-ll, where his
vigorous manhood and excellent financial judgment, as well
as other sterling qualities, were quickly recognized, and gave
him a high standing in this popular branch of the State Gov
ernment. For two terms also, by virtue of the almost unan
imous suffrage of her citizens, he served as mayor of his
adopted city of Hallowell. His name was mentioned in con
nection with the gubernatorial office some years before he
would consent to become a candidate. A few years ago he
told the writer that he had been approached upon the subject
by leading and influential men of his party, but he said most
emphatically that he did not want the office, that his time
was so taken up with his large business interests that he could'
not afford to be Governor. But being constantly impor
tuned, in 1886, reluctantly, as many well know, he consented
to have his name presented to the nominating convention. It
only required this to insure a unanimous nomination,, and an
election by a very large majority. After his inauguration,
the public well know with what modesty he assumed the

13
great trusts imposed upon him, and with what fidelity he ad
ministered the affairs of the government. Simple in his
habits, easily approachable, a patient listener, prompt to de
cide and act, courteous even in his refusals, he won the esteem
and respect of all with whom he came in official contact.
The eulogiums gathered from the press of the State, and re
printed in another place, indicate the esteem and regard in
which he was held by all, without regard to party. He was
decided in his convictions of official duty, and all his acts as
Governor strongly bear his impress.
In private life Governor Bodwell's character was above re
proach. During the exciting gubernatorial campaign, when,
if a candidate has any defects, or has been guilty of any
lapses, they are sure to be brought against him, and when it
is frequently the case that false accusations are made for par
tisan purposes, no word was written or spoken aflecting the
good name of Governor Bodwell, and he was opposed on
party grounds alone. Honest in his dealings with mankind,
acquiring wealth only by legitimate means, he was generous
in his impulses and his private benefactions were many. He
also contributed liberally of his means in aid of public chari
ties, in support of educational institutions and for the cause
of religion. In his quiet, unostentatious way, he was conv
stantly aiding those whom sickness or adverse fortune had
made needy, and the poor of Hallowell were among his most
devoted friends. His nature was sympathetic, and in his in
tercourse with those with whom business or office brought
him in contact, he was invariably courteous and kind. The
members of his council and his military staff recognized him
not only as their official head, but his demeanor toward them
was such that they soon regarded him as a personal friend,
and interested in everything pertaining to their welfare.
This is why these officials and all associated with him in the
State Government, as well as hosts of friends, regard the
death of Governor Bodwell as a personal bereavement.
In relio-ious belief Governor Bodwell was a Universalist,
but he was free from bigotry, and was a Christian in the

14
broadest, sense of the word. He had faith in our religious
institutions, and believed in giving them a cheerful and lib
eral support. He was a member of the Board of Trustees
of Westbrook Seminary, and often contributed liberally to
its funds. He believed in temperance and iu the enforcement
of the laws against the infamous traffic in intoxicating drinks.
No previous Governor of Maine had manifested so much in
terest in this matter, and while he thereby made enemies of
parties in interest, the law-abiding citizens of the State, and
all those whose support is of any value, were rallying around
him. He believed in kindness to dumb animals, and nothing
vexed him more than their abuse, either from lack of food,
from overloading, or from the unreasonable application of the
whip or goad, by those in his employ. He made it a prac
tice to caution all newly hired teamsters that their term of
office would depend very much upon the treatment of the
animals committed to their care. His kind and sympathetic
nature rebelled against the ill-treatment of either animal or
person. He was especially kind to the young, and among
his sincerest mourners are little children, to whom he has
spoken words of encouragement or aided in a more material
way. He received his friends with generous, old-fashioned
hospitality, and with no useless forms and ceremonies. In
his family he vvas kind and indulgent, gratifying every reason
able desire, a model husband and father. The loss of a man
possessing these grand qualities, even from the quiet walks
of life, is keenly felt, but when a public man, une so inti
mately connected with our material interests of business and
government, is suddenly removed by death, it creates a void
not easily filled, and causes a whole State to mourn.
Governor Bodwell enjoyed robust health, rarely losing a
day from sickness. He had naturally a strong constitution,
and his early physical training, and life in the open air, com
bined with strictly, temperate habits, kept his physical system
in excellent condition. His fatal sickness, therefore, coming
upon him so suddenly, without premonition, striking him
down in the vigor and strength of well matured manhood.

15
was to many almost unaccountable. On the 5th day of Decem
ber Governor and Mrs. Bodwell took the cars at Hallowell,
intending to go to Rockland, and while away his purpose was
to make an official visit to the State Prison at Thomaston.
Arriving at Brunswick, and while waiting for the Bath train,
having taken Mrs. Bodwell to the ladies' room, the Governor
went out to meet some gentlemen who had expressed a desire
to converse with him on some matters of business. He had
been out only a few moments, when a waiter from the dining
room came in, and, motioning for Mrs. Bodwell to come out,
he informed her that the Governor had been taken suddenly
ill. When she reached the dining room she found him sitting
by a table and leaning over it, his face deadly pale, with
great beads of perspiration covering his forehead, and suffer
ing the keenest anguish through the chest, left shoulder and
left arm. A messenger was instantly despatched for Dr.
Alfred Mitchell of the Maine Medical School, and he was
soon in attendance upon the Governor. He pronounced it
angina pectoris,* a very dangerous disease, and one of the
most painful known to the medical profession. By the ap
plication of the proper remedies, the Governor soon had tem
porary relief.
Governor Bodwell had every needed attention while at
Brunswick, and remained there until the arrival of the after
noon train, when a bed was extemporized on board, and he
was brought to his home in Hallowell. It fortunately hap
pened that his family physician. Dr. W. L. Thompson,
(homeopathic) was on this train, and, having assisted his
patient home, he afterward, with the assistance of his son.
Dr. W. S. Thompson, took charge of the case. Dr. Mitchell
of Brunswick called once, aud Dr. George E. Brickett of
Augusta, twice during his sickness, at the request of the fam
ily, but the case continued in charge of the Doctors Thomp-
* Literally, "anguish in the breast," This is the disease of ¦which Charles Sumner died.
The precise nature of the disease is not very ¦well known. It is generally connected with some
morbid condition of the heart, and is called sometimes neuralgia of the heart,- The first attack
is sometimes fatal, and it is the opinion of Dr, Thompson that but for the prompt and vigorous
treatment of Dr, Mitchell, Govemor Bodwell would have died at Brunswick.

16
son until the end. Under their treatment he improved, and
Tuesday night was free from pain. He remained better until
Thursday noon following, when he had another severe attack
of pain in the region of the heart. This was relieved by his
physician, and after that time he suffered scarcely any pain.
His tongue cleared, his appetite was soon restored, and his
family and friends felt confident of a speedy recovery. From
Friday, the 9th, to Monday, the 12th, he continued to im
prove, and rested well at night. Then he began to have
restless nights, would lose his breath on dropping off to sleep,
and required a frequent change of position. He continued
much the same through Tuesday night and Wednesday. On
Wednesday evening he felt encouraged, and dictated a tele
gram to a friend stating that he " felt himself on the up
grade." During the early part of the night he was somewhat
restless, but had occasional short intervals of sleep. At three
o'clock he was helped to his easy chair, reclining in which, he
had two hours of quiet, refreshing sleep. At five he awolce,
and asked to be conducted to his bed. He remained there
only a few minutes, when he wished to be returned to his
chair and exclaimed, "Get me there quickly." These were
his last words. His attendants aided him in reachinof his
chair, but before being seated he dropped back into it and
expired without a groan or a struggle — a painless death. He
died at 5,30 A. M., Dec. 15th. The particulars of his sickness
were kindly furnished by Dr. Thompson, who pronounces the
immediate cause of his death to have been "heart failure,"
and the more remote cause, congestion of the anterior left
lung from a cold contracted on the night of Friday, Decem
ber 2d, while the Governor was returning from Boston.
It is the opinion of the writer that Governor Bodwell over
tasked himself, and that overwork had much to do with bring-
ing on the fatal disease. There will be those who think
differently, but some of his most intimate friends coincide
with this view. All will agree that there is a limit to human
endurance, and Governor Bodwell certainly had business
cares and responsibilities sufficient for any one man before ho

17
became Governor. His time for years had all been occupied,
and he gave himself scarcely any vacations or periods of rest.
He was obliged to spend more or less of his time in traveling
upon business matters, and was necessarily somewhat irregu
lar in taking his meals and in his hours of sleep. It was a
marvel to those acquainted with his immense business respon
sibilities, and the enforced irregularities in his mode of living
required in its prosecution, how he could bear up under the
¦constant tension, and continue so apparently robustand healthy.
His naturally strong constitution, his powerful muscular de
velopment, his life-long total abstinence from the inebriating
cup, and his indomitable will, all conspired to keep up his
health and strength. But Governor Bodwell had arrived at
that age when the powers of life, under the most favorable
circumstances, begin to weaken, and when, instead of assum
ing more and greater responsibilities, it is the duty of every
business man to begin to relieve himself of those which he
already has. Governor Bodwell had thought of this and
talked of it, but he had not yet found the place where he
thought he could begin to curtail his business or transfer his
responsibilities to other hands.
He allowed himself to be elected Governor of Maine, and
no man ever assumed the duties of the gubernatorial office
with a higher sense of its responsibilities. A residence in the
State of nearly forty years had made him familiar with her
great material interests, and the daj' he was elected he began
to take measures to render himself familiar with the State
institutions, with a view to intelligent administration of State
affairs. He gave largely of his time to these objects, and
still kept pace with the demands of his private business.
When he was inaugurated, he was all ready to assume the
duties of his office, and Maine never had a more conscientious,
painstaking chief magistrate. The duties of Governor are
more arduous than formerly, and the calls upon his time in
crease from year to year. No great public occasion is now
considered complete without his presence and co-operation.

18
These duties, with the demands of his ever increasing busi
ness, kept Governor Bodwell almost constantlj' on the move.
Then there have been petty annoyances which ape inseparable
from the gubernatorial office, misrepresentation of his acts
and perversion of his motives, which are always more or less
annoying. As chief executive of the State, he felt it his
duty to see that the laws were enforced against crime. The
prohibitory law, which had not only been upon the statute
books from the time when he first came to Maine, but had
recently been made a part of the organic law of the State, and
which, by non-enforcement, was becoming a by-word and a
reproach, he determined to have enforced, and he went about
it with characteristic energy, and every prospect of success.
But the manifold duties of the gubernatorial office added only
so much more to his previous cares, and while he claimed to
bear up under his accumulated responsibilities, with health
unimpaired, his friends, or most of them, felt that the strain
was too much. He had not looked as well as formerly, and
his face sometimes bore a care-worn appearance which made
his friends anxious. In September, just before starting for
Philadelphia to attend the Centennial Celebration of the Con
stitution, he had an attack of severe pain in his left shoulder
and arm, which may probably be regarded as the precursor
of the more serious attack at Brunswick, two months later.
While his active mind was wholly engaged in the performance
of his manifold duties, a fatal disease had been insidiously de
veloping and hastened by the exposure and severe cold, as
well as other complications mentioned by Dr. Thompson, it
speedily carried him off. The case of Governor Bodwell pre
sents an illustration and a warning. It illustrates the too close
application and intense energy of our leading business men,
and it is a warning that those God-given powers of mind and
body with which they are blessed cannot be over-taxed with
impunity, more especially by these who are far along on the
down grade of life.
There is not much space for eulogy here, nor is eulogy
necessary in this pase. The respect in which Governor Bod-

19
well was held while living, and the universal regret manifested
at his death, are more potent aud convincing than mere words.
He performed well his part in life. He entered upon no
official position withoutfirst acquainting himself with its duties,
and then he unhesitatingly took upon himself the responsibili
ties of administration. He asked advice of those in whom he
had confidence, but when he came to act, it was in accordance
with his own convictions of right and duty. He was a born
leader, and there could be no greater mistake than to suppose
that he was, or could be, led by others. He was not trained to
public speaking, nor schooled in debate, but when his duty as
Governor required him to respond to a sentiment, or to speak
at the anniversaries of public institutions, or at other public
gatherings to which he had been invited, he did it with a facility
that surprised his friends, and even himself. His words were
alwaj's well chosen, fitl}^ spoken, and his remarks, though
brief, were always to the point. In his intercourse with Gov
ernors and officials of other states, as he was called upon to
have upon several occasions during his brief term of office,
his bearing was dignified and consistent with the high position
he held and the sovereign State he represented. And now as
he passes into the domain of history, with his life work done,
and nobly done, he will be recorded as one of Maine's fore
most and most valued citizens, and as one of her most con
scientious chief magistrates.
HOW THE SAD XEWS WAS RECEmiD.
The news of Governor Bodwell's sudden demise was soon
wired over the State and produced a profound sensation.
From reports sent out the day previous, it was confidently be
lieved he would recover. His death occurred too late in the
morning to appear in the morning papers, and from the tele
graphic offices of the cities and large towns, the sad intelli
gence passed from one to another, and the deepest grief was
depicted upon every face. Reporters rushed to Hallowell, and
during the remainder of the day, every available scrap of in-

20
telligence bearing upon the case was gathered up and sent to
the various daily papers in, and to niany ont of the State.
The family of the illustrious dead vvas overwhelmed with their
great affliction, and the whole city wore a pall of sorrow and
sadness. "He was our greatest and best friend," was repeated
on every hand. The gloom settled heavily over the school
children, and their sad faces, as they walked silently along the
streets and glanced toward the office of the Hallowell Granite
Company and toward the desolate house, shov?ed evidence of
heartfelt sorrow. In Augusta, the Court adjourned, and as
the news spread, all the courts of justice in the State, then in
session, took the same action. Telegrams of sorrow for the
dead and sympathy for the family came pouring in from all
parts of the country, from friends of the deceased, and from
State governments.
At the State House, the intelligence caused the keenest
regrets, , Grief choked the utterance of many, and every
face was expressive of the deepest sorrow. It became the
duty of the Secretaiy of State to notify Hon. Sebastian S.
Marble, President of the Senate, who, by the provisions of
the Constitution, became acting or ex-officio Governor from the
moment of the death of Governor Bodwell. Mr. Marble ar
rived in Augusta on the, evening train of that day. The mem
bers of the Executive Council were summoned to Augusta,
and with sad hearts assembled at the Council Chamber on the
day succeeding Governor Bodwell's death. The relations be
tween Governor and Council had been uncommonly confiden
tial and pleasant, and vyhen he was stricken down by disease,
the members of the Council felt much more than an official in
terest iu his recovery. From reports received from the sick
room, they had every reason to believe' that he was conva
lescing and would soon be able to rejoin them, and the report
of the fatal termination of his disease was received by all
with great surprise and filled them with transports of grief.
Acting Governor Marble officially notified the people of the
State of the death of Governor Bodwell by issuing the follow
ing circular :

21

STATE OF MAINE.
, Executive Department, )
Augusta, December 16, 1887, 5
It Is with deep sorrow and regret that I announce to the people of the
State the death of Governor Joseph K, Bndwell, which occurred at bis-
residence ni Hallowell, Dec. loth, at 5 30 o'clock A. M.
In his many years of active business life, his wide circle of personal
friends, and his yet wider circle of business acquaintances have learned'
to love and respect him fur bis manlv, generons character, and in his brief
official career he has endeared himself to all the citizens of tliis State,
The body will lie in state at the capitol from Sunday nooii until the'
funeral, which will take place at the State House on Tuesday, Dec, •20th,
at 11 A. M, I have already designated committees of the Senate andl
House of Representatives to participate in tlie exercises, I now invite
all who may desire to do so to be present at tlie funeral services, I desire
that all public offices be closed on that day between the hours of 11 and 2
o'clock, and request that all business be suspended during that time so
far as practicable, as a tribute of respect to our late chief magistrate,
SEBASTIAN S, MARBLE,
The Maine Militia were also notified in General Orders as
follows : HEADQUARTERS MAINE MILITIA. 1
Adjutant General's Okfice. S
Augusta, December 16, 1S87, )
General Orders, 1
No, 19, j"
The Governor and Commander-in-Chief announces with profound sor
row the death of his distinguished predecessor, Joseph R, Bodwell,
which occurred at his home in Hallowell, Thursday morn'iig, Ueceinber
15th, instant, at 5.30,. Governor Bodwell's life has been a bright and
inspiring record of purity and fidelity in social aiid business relations,
and integrity and ability in exacting and trying official position. He
was a man whose impulses and inoliiiations were to kindliness, to truth
and right. He was a faithful, generous and steadfast helper of friends,
and an able and upright guardian of public good. Governor, Bod well's •
death is peculiarly saddening, in that it has come so suddenly. It has
come at the end bf a life of great accomplishments, Jt is a desolation to
family and friends that no form of words can desci-ibe. It is a loss to the
State that cannot be estimated. But there is relief to the deep sorrow,
to the heavy sense of loss. We can all believe that when death came to
so good a man, the portals of the eternal world were arched with the radi
ant bow of promise.
II. In honor of the memory of the distinguished dead, and in special
recognition of his earnest and helpful devotion to the interests of the mili
tia, it is ordered that the colors of the several regiments and the guidon
ofthe artiUery be draped in mourning, and all officers will wear the usual
badge of mourning upon the left arm and upon the sword hilt for the en
suing thirty days.
By Command or SEBASTIAN S. MARBLE,
Governor and Commander-in-Chief. S. J. GALLAGHER, Adjutant General,

22

PREPARATION FOR THE LAST SAD RITES.
The State officials had a conference with the family, and it
was decided to have a private funeral at the late home of the
deceased in Hallowell, on Sunday, the 18th, after which the
remains should be conveyed to the State House, there to lie
in state until Tuesday, the 20th, when the public obsequies
should be had. Meantime, a responsible duty rested upon
General Harris, Superintendent of Public Buildings, that of
putting the State House in order and having it properly
draped. The draping was very elaborate, and was done
under the direction of Capt. Geo. E. Brown of Portland.
Black draperies covered the windows upon the portico, and
the transom above the door, and as one entered the door, he felt
that he was passing into the house of mourning. The fountain
in the centre of the rotunda had been removed, and upon the
site of it, between the four large central pillars, upon a raised
platform covered with black draperies, was erected the
catafalque. It was covered with black broadcloth and deco
rated with silver fringe and silver stars. From the large
chandelier above, broad streamers of black crape and white
thibet festooned to opposite sides of the room formed a canopy
over the catafalque. The doors leading from the rotunda
were draped in crape, with the exception of the main
entrance, where two large flags were used, caught in at the
sides with crape loops. The windows were curtained with
flags. Festoons of black crape and white thibet hung about
the sides of the room. On the right side of the rotunda,
heavily draped in mourning was a large crayon portrait of
Governor Bodwell. The large pillars of the rotunda were
encased in crape, and festooned with smilax and silver stars.
The corridors and stairways were draped in black. The
Council Chamber was also filled with signs of mourning.
The Governor's desk was draped in mourning and the edges
fringed with smilax. Upon the table was the Governor's
ebony gavel, decorated with white ribbons. In the Govern
or's private room, the same evidences of bereavement were

23

seen. The table and chair were in mourning, and the room
looked mournfully^silent and sad. Representatives' Hall was
also appropriately draped.

THE PRIVATE FUNERAL,
Governor Bodwell was a Free Mason, having joined Rock
land Lodge, February 14, 1859, and the several lodges in
the vicinity turned out in large numbers to escort the remains
of their late brother from Hallowell to the State House, when
the private funeral should be over. At ten o'clock Sunday
morning, the citizens of Hallowell met at the City Hall and
chose Col. D. P. Livermore as Marshal of the citizens' escort to
Augusta. The Masonic Lodges of Hallowell, Gardiner and
Augusta formed in line, after the arrival of the special trains,
and marched to the Governor's late residence. Samuel B.
Glazier officiated as Superintendent of the funeral, and the
religious services were performed by Mr, Bodwell's pastor.
Rev. Ji S. Gledhill of Gardiner, who pronounced the following
feeling and touching eulogy :
This whole life is walked under a shadow. Mystery hangs over every
thing. We do not understand anj'thing about us. But the greatest mys
tery of it all is the dark fact of death. Into its shadow and darkness I
come to you, dear friends, to say words of comfort and consolation. What
I shall say will not take away your darkness, nor perhaps allay your grief.
But I pray that the few words! speak may be to you as glints of light
amidst the darkness, which shall help you to place your feet in the next
step of your journey.
There have always been two ideas about death held by the minds of
men. The earliest icjea was that death was a covered way which led the
soul into a silent region of shadows and darkness, where were gathered
all those who passed out of the earthly life.
This view was later modified by the ideas of a division of this region of
shadows into two parts, one of light and one of darkness, where were re
ceived into the one all the souls of the good in life, and into the other the
souls of the evil. A further modification led to the idea of some myste
rious change necessary to be made in the soul during life, or, in its ab
sence, at death the soul was plunged into this hopeless darkness and
despair. But later came the more hopeful and rational view of death, which was
that death is but the door which opens for the soul into another room of
the Father's house of many mansions. And this is eminently the Chris
tian view of death. Christ, the Redeemer, says : "In My Father's house
are many mansions, if it were not so I would have told you. I go to pre
pare a place for you," And this view of death is further expressed by

24
the apostle when he exelaihis, "For we know that if our earthly house of
this tabernacle were dissolved we have a building of God, a house not
made with hands, eternal in the heavens."
There is stamped indelibly upon the heart and soul of every man an
inherent sense that human destiny is ensphered in a divine order. This
last view of death quickened this latent sense in men's hearts and taught
them that the profound mystery out of which their life issues does not
end in an abyss of nothingness. It taught men that death does not end
all. Beyond death lies a future which to the rightly poised soul is not
only without terror, but is full of beckoning peace. In that future as well
as in the present the all-loving alid all-blessing goodness of God encom
passes the soul. This view of death also furnishes us with the ground
and justification for that deeri peace which in disappointment and loss
stays itself on the assurance of ultimate triumph.
Now, I can only hint at the great thing of which I desire you to think,
the great thing which I would that you keep in your hearts, faith that
God always has a good and loving reason for what he does. And by
this faith I do not mean an unreasoning acceptance of a dogma; noth
ing of the kind. Any faith that is real and living and true bases itself'in
and must grow out of the experiences of the world. And the experiences
of the world have given us just such a God as this faith points to io whom
to trust.
It is hardly necessary for me to point ont to you that he whom you
idolized as husband and father and brother,' our beloved friend and neigh
bor, the estimable citizen and honored chief executive, drew the inspira
tion of his life from this same faith in God, Joseph R. Bodwell was an
eminent Christian, He held an unwavering faith in the universal and un
changing love and goodness of God to all men. From this faith lie drew
the sweetness and light and love which made hinCi an Idol in the home
circle. From this same faith came that unusual degree of charity and
patience which he felt and exercised for all who came in contact with him,
or with whom he had in any way to deal. This same faith gave him that
which so eminently distinguished him as a citizen and neighbor, an ever
readiness to help and an open hearted generosity and sympathy with every
form of need.
As a public official his courageous maintenance of what he deemed to
be right and for the best interests of the people had its root in his great
faith in the universal triumph of righteousness and truth, and gave him
distinguished honor among the great men of our country.
As a source of comfort and consolation the thought of these things
will yield you richness in the days of grief and darkness to come. In ad-
dit'ion to tfiis also, what treasurts will not your memories hold ofthe be
loved? 't'hat you were permitted to live in so intimate and tender rela
tions with a nature so noble and so benignant must always be a cause for
gratitude to the giver of all good things.
As a husband and father he was all that heart could wish, true, tender,
affectionate and indulgent, shedding joyand gladness upon all the house
hold. It does not become me upon this occasion, even if time permitted, to
speak at length of the eminent virtues of your beloved dead. I desire
only to call to mind briefly these things and urge you to cherish the
great faith which was the light and joy of his life, for your own comfort
and consolation. Put yonr confidence in God who falleth not, and wait
patiently for the deathless reunion which will surely be yours in the life
to come. God leads us all out into the darkness, but only that we may
go up into His clearer light.
"There is no death, what seems so is transition.
This life of mortal breath,
Is but a suburb of the life elysian.
Whose portals wc call death "

25
At the close of the services the procession was formed, and
moved to the State House in the following order :
Hacks, with relatives of the deceased.
Hearse with pall bearers, eight men, who were :
Hermon Lodge, Gardiner, No, 31: Daniel C, Palmer and Augustus
Bailev,
Augusta Lodge No, 141 : Charles C, Hunt and S, L, Boardman,
Bethlehem Lodge No, 35: E, C, Allen and Hon, George E, Weeks,
Hacks, with friends and relatives,
Hermon Lodge No. 32, F, & A, M,, of Gardiner, 37 men.
Augusta Lodge No. 141, of Augusta.
Kennebec Lodge No. 5, of Hallowell,
Bethlehem Loclge No, 35, of Augusta,
Citizens in double file and in carriages;
At half past eleven the Capital Guards, in full dress, took
up their quarters at the State Hoiise, as a guard of honor.
On the arrival of the procession, the casket containing the
remains was borne into the rotunda and placed upon the cata
falque, the Masons escorting the body forming in line at the
foot and side of the casket. Governor Marble, the Execu
tive Council and the State officers were upon the opposite
side, near the head of the casket. Then followed the im
pressive Masonic funeral service, at the close of which A.
M. Spear, of Gardiner, advancing to the head of the casket,
addressed Governor Marble in the following words :
Governor Marble: — We appear before you to-day as
Masons, escorting to your care all that remains of a loved
and respected brother, whose form now lies before us clothed
in the habiliments of death.
His immediate relatives and friends, in grief and sorrow,
have laid upon the altar of his memory their last sad tribute
of love and afi"ection. And now we stand here charged with
the solemn duty imposed upon us by the mystic ties of the
order, and the request of his friends, of consigning his body
to the State for the reception of those public honors to which,
both as an eminent citizen and its chief executive, he is so
justly entitled.
As a man, he was of the highest character, spotless in in
tegrity, unblemished in honor, boundless in generosity, using
his wealth with lavish hand for the benefit of the community
and the welfare of the State.

26
As a Mason, he exemplified in his daily life and conduct
those noble virtues which the precepts of the order inculcate.
As an official, although called to the highest position in the
gift of the people without any desire on his own part, for
political preferment, he nevertheless assumed the duties of
Governor with that same untiring energy and zeal which had
in so marked a degree characterized his business career, de
voting his very life to the progress and welfare of the State.
His loss to the community, the fraternity and the State, is one
which time cannot repair nor the lapse of years efi"ace.
But his life work is done. And now in behalf of his
relatives and friends and this fraternity, I deliver him through
you to the care and custody of this commonwealth which he
loved and which loved him so well.
To which Governor Marble made the following response :
In behalf of the State of Maine, I receive within its Capi
tol, the remains of its beloved and lamented late chief mag
istrate. Within these walls, one short year ago, Joseph R. Bodwell
was inaugurated Governor of Maine. To-day the portals of
the Capitol are swung open to receive his lifeless form that
here for a brief period it may lie in state before we consign
it to its last resting place.
Living and dead, Maine honors this Nature's nobleman,
whose character was as strong and heart as true as the granite
hills he contended with and subdued. But in this hour of our
great sorrow there is one thought of comfort ; he died as the
strong man always wishes to die, with the harness on, in the
thickest of the fight, and in the full vigor of life. He is dead ;
but the example he leaves of what a poor boy, unaided, with
only a strong arm and a .brave heart, may accomplish, will
live to cheer and encourage the youth of our State long after
we of this generation shall have crossed the "isthmus between
the two oceans."
He is at rest. Grandly has he fought the battle of life to
the end, and we may devoutly believe that the words, "well
done, good and faithful servant," will be spoken to him in

27
Heaven, even as they are spoken of him in thousands of
homes on earth.
And may God grant to us who are living strength and
wisdom to emulate the virtues of him whose body the State
sorrowfully and tenderly now takes to its keeping.
LYING IN STATE,
The remains of Governor Bodwell were embalmed, and
while lyingTin state, were viewed by large numbers of people
from various parts of the State, The arrangements for the
public funeral were placed in the hands of a committee, con
sisting of Councillor Seth M. Carter, Gen. George L. Beal
and^Col. George C. Wing. Capt, George D. Bisbee was
selected as Chief Marshal. The following order was issued
from the office of the Adjutant General :
HEADQUARTERS MAINE MILITIA, )
Adjutant General's Office, V
Augusta, December 17, 1887, )
Gjineral Orders, \
No, 20. ' /
I Commanders of Companies A, B, C and E, of 1st Regiment, and D,
E, G, and H, 2nd Regiment, M, V, M,, and 1st and 2nd Platoons Battery,
will report to Col, John J, Lynch, at Augusta, Tuesday A, M,, Dec, 20th,
with 32 Privates and Copor.als, and File Closers, armed and equipped in
full dress uniform with overcoats and white gloves,
II, A Special Military Train will leave as follows : Portland at 7.30
A. M., Lewiston, lower station, at 7.30, connecting at Brunswick with
the special from Portland. Bangor at 7.30, Company E, 2iid Reg't,
will take regular train, 8,20 A, M,, and return on the regular P, M, train.
Company H, 2nd Reg't, will leave on regular 9,15 train. All Companies
but E, 2nd Reg't, will return home by special train Tuesday,
III, Colonel John J. Lynch, 1st Regiment, with Staft, will command
the Military Escort,
The troops will be given dinner at Granite Hall, Augusta, at 11,30.
The National Home Band will furnish the music.
The senior officers on these trains will take command of the troops
while en route to Augusta and return, and be held responsible for the
behavior of the men,
IV, Commanding officer of Company F, 1st Regiment, will report at
State House, Sunday, Dec, 18th, at 12 o'clock, with 25 men with officers
in full dress uniform, armed and equipped for guard duty. This detail
will also act as a guard of honor while the remains are being borne to the
•cemetery. V. A gun will be fired at every half-hour, beginning at sunrise and
«nding at sunset.
Nineteen minute-guns will be flred while the remains are being
borne to the place of interment.

28
After the remains are deposited in the grave, a salute of nineteen
guns will be flred, in addition to three salvos of artillery.
By Order of the Commander-in-Chief, S. J. GALLAGHER, Adjutant General,-
Chief Marshal Bisbee issued the following circular :
Office of Chief Marshal,
Augusta, Dec, 19, 1887.
Services in Representatives' Hall at 11 o'clock A, M,
1, Music, Prof, Thlerae, Togus Military Band.
2, Reading of Scripture and Prayer, Rev, A, F, Skeele, Augusta.
3, Selection, • Chickering Quartette, Augusta.
4. Address, Rev, C- A, Hayden, Auburn.
5. Selection, Chickering Quartette and Mrs, Milliken.
6- Benediction, Rev. J. S, Gledhill, Gardiner,
The procession will form immediately after the services as follows :
Platoon of Police.
Chief Marshal and Aids.
Chief Marshal, George D, Bisbee, Buckfield,
Chief of Staff, H. M, Sprague, Auburn,
Aids, S. W. Lane. Augusta; John W, Berry, Gardiner; Fred W,
Plaisted. Augusta; A, B, Nealey, Lewiston.
National Home Band. Togus.
Col, J, J, Lynch and Staff,
Commanding Provisional Battalion of Infantary and
Pirst Maine Battery as escort.
Pall Bearers, ,
Hearse,
Capital Guards as Guard of Honor,
Carriages containing family and relatives, Governor Marble and staflf,.
Governors of other States and staffs, Executive Councillors, Judiciary,
Brigadier General Mitchell and Staff, State Oflicers, Legislative Commit
tee, United States Officials and resident Clergymen,
Members and ex- members of the Legislature, Representatives of City
Governments, delegations from various organizations, and citizens, on
foot. Private carriages.
During the services at the State House the, Governor's salute will be
fired from the United States Arsenal. Minute guns will be flred from the
State grounds by a detail from the United States Arsenal under the direc
tion of Capt. Michoelis, and the bells of Augusta and Hallowell will be
tolled during the march from the State House to the cemetery.
On arrival at the cemetery the usual military and civic honors will be
paid. At the close of the services a salvo of artillery and the Governor's
salute will be fired from the State grounds.
Guns will be fired from the United States Arsenal every half-hour front
sunrise to sunset.
Delegations from out of town are requested to report to the chief of
staff at the State pension office. By order of
George D. Bisbee,
Chief Marshal.
Henry M. Sprague,
Chief of Staff,

29

THE STATE FUNERAL,
The decorators completed their work Monday, and every-
-thing was in order for the solemn occasion. Additional fes
toons were hung upon the sides of the Council Chamber, the
Governor's Room and Representatives' Hall, of broad stream
ers of black crape and white thibet. The floral tributes were
original, varied and beautiful. The designs were expressive,
and the flowers composing them vyere brought from 'the best
New England conservatories. The air of the somber rotunda
was heavy with their fragrance. At the foot of the casket was
a basket filled with beautiful hot-house flowers, the offering of
the Governor and Council, the Military Staff and the Heads
of Departments. On the north side of the rotunda, beneath
the crayon portrait of the late Governor, was a large stand
heavily draped in mourning, upon which other floral tributes
were placed. First was a beautiful bible from the fiimily
relatives. It rested upon a bank of ferns and ivy leaves, and
worked in amid the white flowers of the cover, were the
dates 1818 — 1887, in immortelles. Next was the design
from the employes of the Hallowell Granite Company, a
monument of white flowers, pinks, roses and other flowers,
around which was a wreath of flowers, and the whole trimmed
with a fringe of smilax. The Governor's Stafi" also furnished
a beautiful floral cross, the back and margin of which was
composed of ivy leaves and white ferns. ¦ The front was made
up of magnificent white flowers — Marechal Niel and Cather
ine Mermet roses, Roman Hyacinths and other handsome
varieties. Over the arm of this cross was a floral sickle, the
blade of which was made of carnation pinks of the same tint
as the Catherine Mermet roses.^ The handle of this was made
of green English ivy leaves. It was a beautiful and touching
tribute. Two other designs were a beautiful floral pillow
and an inclined wreath. The former was made of flowers,
and bore the name of the Governor, composed of purple im
mortelles upon a white back ground. The wreath stood upon
-a bank of flowers as a base, and was composed of calla lilies.

30
violets and rosebuds. A beautiful column four feet high,
broken at the top, the shaft composed of white pinks and
white roses, the base of delicate pink roses combined with
maiden-hair ferns and English ivy, was the ofiering of the
Bodwell Granite Company of Vinalhaven. A tribute from
the Rockland Knights of Labor,- consisted of a shield iri the
emblem of the K. of L. , a circle containing a triangle in
roses, with the inscription, "Our Employer," in immortelles
above iU
Tuesday morning quite early, the crowds began to gather
about the State House and many thousands were there during
the day. The funeral services were held in Representatives'
Hall and were solemn and imposing. The Hall was crowded
to its utmost capacity, and only a small portion of those
present could gain admission. Delegations came from all the
large cities, and among those present in the Hall, were distin
guished men from all parts of the State. At eleven o'clock
the family and relatives came in, and following, the Governor
and other State officials, the joint legislative special committee,
the city committees, and delegations from various organiza
tions throughout the State. Ex-Governors Perham, Plaisted
and Robie were among those present. Rev. A. F. Skeele of
Augusta opened the exercises by reading selections from the
scriptures and then offered prayer. The Chickering Quar
tette of Augusta, assisted by Mrs. Fannie Milliken rendered
a selection, when the funeral address was spoken by Rev. C.^
A. Hayden, Pastor of the Universalist Church in Auburn.
REV. MR, HAYDEN'S ADDRESS.
God has a great Bible and the lives of men are texts in it. ''What is-
excellent as God lives is "permanent,"
It is my sad duty and privilege as well to try to do what some of yoiv
could do much better, voice the common sorrow of our State and country
in the loss of one of our noblest and best citizens. What can I say more
when all the masters of speech have preceded me? The press have done
justice to his name, worth and work. They have marshaled their stately
sentences, and all over this country the words of deserved and sincere
eulogy have been scattered broadcast. It is not necessary, even if I were
able, to go over the ground which has been covered so' completely and so
well and which is so familiar to you all. It is better that I should call
attention to the qualities of manhood in our friend which made him what

31
he was in all the places in life which he was called upon to take and which
he filled so nobly. So in passing, I shall only briefly outline his business
and professional career, leaving to others to do the work more fully and
better, as should be done, in some permanent form, as an inspiration to
our youth in the attainment of success without the sacrifice of moral
principle; for his is a life worthy the study of every young man. He
said in an after-dinner talk at Westbrook Commencement, lalt June, to
the young men : "In your pursuit of honor or wealth or position, never
accept them if in doing so you have to sacrifice your integrity," He had
a right to utter such wofds, because they were eminently true of him,
Joseph R, Bodwell, born in Methuen, Massachusetts, in 1818, was early
thrown on his own resources, and learned his trade when apprenticeship
meant three years of steady, persistent application. He also labored on
a farm for wages that would seem pitably small in these days. But those
years of work and study seem to have been best fitted to prepare him for
the real work of life and secure the ren.arkable success that came in later
years. He was reading, working, studying all the time. His success was
not that of luck, but by persistent energy and ability, and by honesty and
labor did he achieve his success. He had the rare faculty of grasping all
the details of eveiy undertaking and discerning the outcome. He had
oversight of all his vast business operations, every detail of which was
well defined in his thought. One of the papers politically opposed to
him said, and it is doubtless true, that "he knew exactly what every man
in his employ ought to be asked to do, and it is but simple justice to the
dead to say that he asked no more than that of any man," This is high
praise, but well deserved, as we all believe ; for he was in the best sense
the laboring man's friend. He, the greatest worker among them all,
knew how to sympathize with and help his employes, I think it is true
that he did as much to develop the resources of our State as any one man
has ever done. All the varied interests of the State were encouraged and
helped by him ; not only the granite business, but agriculture, manufac
tures, railroads, in fact, every enterprise that tended to the material
advancement of the people, received substantial aid from his preeminent
business ability.
In his political career he has shown the same sterling qualities that
have distinguished him in other walks of life. He did not seek office.
On the contrary, he said he had enough to do without that, and I think
we are beginning to feel that he spoke tiuly, and that it was almost unkind
to thrust this added labor upon him. He, however, served in the Legis
lature and was mayor of his own city, forwarding their interests with
that fidelity, characteristic of the man in whatever he undertook. He
never desired the office of Governor, It was urged upon him, and in
order to gratify his friends and serve the State, he finally consented.
Notwithstanding his vast business concerns, requiring as it would seem
all his thought and time, in the executive chair he gave the needed atten
tion to the just administration ofthe government ofthe State and took an
interest in all the affairs concerning the welfare of the entire people.
He was a good governor. Is it too much for me to say that he was one
of our best governors in this commonwealth ? I do not say he never made
a mistake or erred in judgment. To argue this would be to claim more
than any human being can fulfil. I do claim that he tried conscientiously
to do his duty and the right. On the temperance question he took a
decided stand and insisted that the law should be enforced, and if oflScials
did not do their duty, on receiving evidence to that effect he would remove
them. His position on this question has been of great value to the cause.
It is so regarded by earnest temperance workers, and his death is sincerely
mourned by all temperance organizations in the State,
In social life the special charm of his character was revealed. He had
a kind word for everybody. The children felt free with him as with a
friend. His greeting was cordial, sincere and tender. Though filled with
business cares and interests, he could engage even with children in the
joy and the simplicity of their life. His little grandson was his pride and

32

delight. It was my privilege ten years ago to know something of his
home life, and since that time I have seen him often; and he was always
the kind, friendly, helpful man. In his home he laid aside perplexing
business cares and entered into the pleasures and enjoyments of his
guests with his family, A cordial, genial, modest man was he, — a kind
and indulgent father, a considerate and affectionate husband. How many
young men he has helped to succeed ! What acts of charity continuallv
flowed from his open hand ! The best evidence of his worth is found in
the universal sorrow seen and expressed by the citizens of his own city.
The evidence of his liberality and justice to his workmen are found in
their sad hearts and tearful faces. He was trusted and loved by them all.
He wrought, we say, in stone, and all over our land in most of our cities,
are buildings and monuments showing the strength and extent of his
business life. But his greatest achievement was in the building of his
character, for the man was greater tlian his work. Behind all his achieve
ments, behind all his successes stood the grand noble character which wo
mourn and which we admire this Jay. They said of him : "He is making
his fortune," and that tliey all could see. That they praised, and said:
"He is an industrious and excellent business man and is growing rich,"
I respect all that for what it is worth. But behind his fortune there was
rising his character, stone upon stone, brick upon brick, story after story;
for the man behind the work is what counts. After sixty-nine years of
effort the work was accoinplislipd, and the great Angel Death came and
removed the scaffolding and revealed the completed manhood. We say
prematurely, we regret that he was taken away — that all these interests
will suffer in our State because he is no more. That, I grant you, is true.
We shall miss him everywhere.
But there is another thought that comes in. Governor Bodwell stood
on the summit, and when he passed on we can truly trust that God knew
what was best. It is something to have lived sixty-nine years and com
manded the respect and reverence of a whole country. It is a great thing
to have liv^ed and had the affection and sympathy of so dear friends
and to hold so honored a place in human hearts. I am not sure but
that it. was his best time to go. With unimpaired faculties, amid pros
perity, in the full vigor and maturity of his manhood, he has gone to his
reward. Governor Bodwell wielded a great influence in this community and
wherever he was known. What is the explanation of this fact? By virtue
of what quality did his opinion always command respect? What drew to
him the many who from all classes and in all straits of lite sought his
counsel? Was it that his experience and training fitted him to speak with
authority on most practical questions? Undoubtedly it was this coupled
with a deeper fact, for his was not a limited culture of mere intellectual
proficiency. His whole nature was broadly based on a moral or religious
sense, and this is the prominent fact in the man's life. His intellect, his
affections and desires, while they lacked nothing of power in themselves,
were always subject to his feelings of duty. The degree in which con
science found expression through whatever he said or did gave him a very
rare and remarkable manhood,
Joseph R, Bodwell was what he seemed to be. One might safely chal
lenge any person to say that a closer acquaintance with him ever resulted
in disappointment. No one ever penetrated behind an appearanpe in his
life to find emptiness and unreality. Most people reveal weaknesses to
their friends of which the world does not suspect them; but I am told by
those who have known him intimately from his earliest years that this
man exposed no more faults to those immediately about him than to the
eye of society — a generous, christian gentleman.
The manhood of Governor Bodwell was genuine at every point. So
thoroughly real and good in its strength, there was needed something
more than a business or partial acquaintance with him to appreciate it.
His earthly house, so full of life and purpose a few days ago, now lies
here in state, idle and silent. But there does stand resting on the rock

33
of ages, and reaching far up into the heavens, the great, brave character
which the man has built in' the everlasting sunlight of God, Itself as ever
lasting and always as fair. This, his noblest work, will endure forever.
His cha;rity was as unostentatious as the dew of summer, blessing the
giver by the motive and the receiver by the quicker life and truer growth
in human brotherhood. Even the daily press never accused his charity
of being done for public notice and praise, A man of good judgment,
good common sense, careful, exact, methodical, diligent. As regards the
greater faculties of conscience and affection, the religious element, he pos
sessed them all in a marked degree. He was well born, well bred, emi
nently well disciplined by himself. He was temperate iu all his hSbits,
never using liquor in any form or in any way. So by theory and practice
he set an example of sobriety to us all. Learning to economize early in
life, he laid the foundation for his fortune. in the habits of economy,
probity and honesty which marked him as the upright man and citizen
whom thousands rise up to honor this day. Here was a man who knew
the difference between the means of living and the true ends of life. He
knew the true use of riches. They served, as a material basis for great
manly excellence. His use of money was a power to make those dear to
him happy — to feed, to clothe, to house and warm and comfort needy
men ; to open avenues for the development of power and labor everywhere
so that it might be a means of wealth to others. It was a means to edu
cate the mind, to cheer the affections and bless the soul. It can be said
' of him as truly as was said of one of New England's great philanthro
pists: "To many a poor boy, to many a sad mother, he gave a merry
Christmas on the earth ; and now in good time God has taken him to cele
brate Christmas and New Year's day in heaven,"
Is it necessary, after all this has been manifested in so many ways by
people of all shades of opinion, by testimony from all sources, in the
sorrow in his own city and State, to say that Joseph R, Bodwell was a
deeply religious man ? All those traits of character constitute a Christian,
If they do not, so much the worse for Christianity, More and more we are
testing a man's piety, not by what he says, but by his deeds. "By their
fruits ye shall know them." Not profession but character is the test.
And I know of no man who could better stand that test. And when we
have said that a man was honest, just and loving, conscientious and
faithful in all the relations of life, we have said he was truly religious.
There are some, of whom when they die it is thought forcible praise to
say that they had no religion to speak of, meaning, I suppose, that their
religion was too vital, too real and deep to be spoken of. So far as this
might also mean that religion is a thing not of words but of life, it might
with perfect truth be said of our friend. But I am not satisfied with that
kind of expression, I do not fear to say of him : "He had religion to
speak of, though he rarely spoke of it himself, and never by way of as
serting any merit of his own. Yet he was a firm believer and a constant
doer in the work of the Gospel, in our church and denomination. He
was interested in our schools, being on the board of trustees of West
brook Seminary, and a liberal giver for all our work. But he did not
confine his generosity to) his own sect, I do not stand here to-day to
claim him as a partisan in any particular way. He belonged to us all.
He belonged to the Statd and all its interests were his interest, and what
ever appealed to his nobler nature and to the instincts ot -his generosity
was freely and gladly helped, though the appeal came from those with
whom he differed, , , j t
I do not think he cared muc*! fc theology or' dogmas of any kind, I
never discussed with hid questions of theology. There did not seem to
be time. The hours wer^ so few that the minister could spend with him.
His mind seemed to me always to go in the direction of social and humane
concerns from which it were poor appreciation to divert it. for the sake of
taere intellectual comparisons, I always noticed that preaching drew his

34
warmest syrapathy which presented the kindly, tender, trustful, cheerful'
views of life and conduct. Whatever came to a practical bearing upon
men and affairs seemed to win at once his sympathy. His face would
light up and he would give encouragement to his minister by showing
that he was heartily in earnest and Interested in the presentation of any
thing concerning the good of humanity.
But whatever belief he held and whatever he rejected, his religion was
his life and his life was his religion,— a living epistle known and read of
all men. This being true, nothing could add to it or take from it. When
I say he was a religious man I mean that he loved God and loved man.
He ha"a no more doubt that God would save and bless him and all men
than that he himself would make all men happy if he could. Reverenc
ing God, he reverenced the laws of God,— morality, justice and love.
His religion was not stern and forbidding. His piety became morality.
and a good deal more than that. He said the evening before he died that
he was on the up-grade, meaning on the road to health. May we not in
this presence to day, surrounded by these tokens of mourning, give a
higher significance to the words now? He has always been on the up
grade from the very first start in life, humble though it was, working his
way steadily up, never sacrificing principle or integrity for success, but
always laying the foundation broadly for the growth of his character. It
has been up-grade and a steep grade for him many times, yet never did
he falter, but he went steadily on with that summit in sight which he was
determined to reach at the last. In all the affairs of life, in which we
knew him, can we not say of him truly: This man was a man on the up
grade in the best sense of the word ; the rarest product of our New Eng
land life and character, a man to honor, a man to love, a man who could
draw out the feelings and sympathies of those who knew him, and yet
make them feel better for having known him? I could ask, I presume, in
this presence to-day, these men who have met him in the official line of
life, whether they looked upon him simply as the head of the State and
as a man who outranked them in 'his position, or rather as a personal
friend, I could ask them if, when they were in his presence, he did not
impress them as a man that they were free to approach, a man who had
gained the sympathy and love and respect which outpours itself in this
generous expression throughout our State to-day?
He had the upward look, and, believing in all that was best, moved on
toward their consummation. So his life climbed to the heights of
morality and spiritual attainment, reaching at last, it seems to me,
the summit on earth ; and if it was up-grade at the last moment, it
was because the air of earth had become too dense for him, and his strug
gling soul looked up to breathe the clearer and purer air of heaven; and
when that great friend of us all said to him, "Friend, come up higher,"
he was ready and entered into rest.
Have you ever known what it is to look across the desolate night of
sorrow and bereavement, seeing nothing? And have you cried out: "I
shall see him but not now, I shall behold him, but not nigh?" That is
how the hungry, longing, bereaved spirit always feels, I may see him,
but not now. In the far off future when God's Angel comes with his
dusky wings and gathers away, all too soon, some that we love and takes
them through the portal of death, it is because our eyes are holden that
we do not see him to be God's messenger. Death is the bell of evening
telling the over-tired laborer that it is time to go home. His work On
earth was done. His life has really just begun, and through the hope
of the Resurrection, through the portals of that larger and that
better life he has not stopped as we think, but has gone on and will go
on to shine among the stars in heaven. He will show that those traits of
character which made him what he was here, shine more resplendent
when mortality has put on immortality and when that which was sown
in weakness was raised into power. Oh, if we could be wise enough then
to say: "I shall see him, but not now, I shall behold him, but not
nigh," Then it would be light at eventide.

35

And now, friends, this so Inadequate yet sincere testimony is from one
who knew a^nd loved him. With a little poem of Whittler, whom he loved
and we a 1 lovn r wi 1 nlnoo HiSo nri.^..„„« . , ¦ ..v^ .uvou

and we all love, I will close this address :

"He has done the work of a true man,
Crown him, honor him, love him.
Weep over him tears of woman,
stoop manliest hrows aboTe him.
For the warmest of hearts is frozen,
The freest of hands is still.
And the gap in our picked aud ehosen
The long years ma) not fill.
No duty eould overtask him,
No need his will outrun,
Or ever our lips could aslc Iiim
His hands the work had done.
He forgot his o^vn soul for others,
Himself to his neighbor lending,
He found the Lord iu his suffering brothers
And not in the clouds descending.
Ah, well, the world is discreet.
There are plenty to pause and wait.
But here was a man who set his feet
Sometimes iu advance of.fate.
Never rode to the wrong's redressing
A worthier paladin ;
Shall he not hear the blessing,
"Good and faithful enter in"?

"DUST TO DUST."
There was a death-like stillness in the Hall during the
delivery of the address, and at its close another selection
was sung by the Quartette. It was a finely executed humber
and thrilled the large audience. The benediction was pro
nounced by the Rev. J. S. Gledhill, which closed the funeral
exercises. The rotunda was cleared, and the family were
given an opportunity to take a last look and final farewell of
him who had been so much beloved by them all.
The procession was formed by Marshal Bisbee and his aids.
At one o'clock, the military escort, which had formed on
Water Street, marched to the State House and was drawn up
in double- file, facing it. The order of procession was as
follows :

36

Platoon of Police,
Chief Marshal and Aids — Hon, Geo, D, Bisbee of Buckfleld, Chief Mar
shal; Col, H. M. Sprague of Auburn, Chief of Staff; Capt, S, W.
Lane of Augusta, Maj, John W, Berry of Gardiner, Fred
W. Plaisted of Augusta, Col, A. B, Nealey of Lewiston.
National Home Band, Togus.
Col. John J, Lynch and Staff commanding the provisional Batt3,lion of
Infantry, and the First Maine Battery as escort.
Pall Bearers,
Hon, Hannibal Hamlin, Bangor; Hon, D. F, Davis, Bangor;
Hon, H. M, Plaisted, Augusta; Hon, Frederick Robie, Gorham;
Hon, Albion Little, Portland; Hon, John S. Case, Rock
land; Hon. John M. Adams, Deering; Col. Mark
F. Wentworth, Kittery; Hon. James H. Leigh, Hallowell.
Hearse.
Capital Guards as Guard of Honor.
Carriages containing the family and immediate relatives.
Gov. Marble and Staff, Ex-Governor Perham, Governors of Other States -
aud Staffs, Executive Council Judiciary, Brigadier-
General Mitchell and staff. State Officers, I./effislatlve
Committee, United States Officers and Resident Clergymen.
Representatives of City Government, delegations from various organiza
tions and citizens on foot.
Private Carriages.
The military organizations and procession battalion forming
the escort were as follows :
Field and Staff 1st Regiment, M. V. M,
Col, John J. L3'nch of Portland, Commanding,
Lieut, Col, E, H. Ballard, Augusta.
Major B, .J, Hill, Auburn,
Adjutant Edward E, Philbrook, Portland,
Surgeon, Major George H, Brickett, Augusta,
Prom 1st Regiment,
Company A, (Portland Light Infantry) Capt, Benj. A. Norton,
Company B. (Portland Mechanic Blues) Capt, Chas, W, Davis,
Company C. (Auburn Light Infantry) Capt, Fred H, Storah,
Company E. (Montgomery Guards, Portland) Capt. Timothy E. Hart-
nett. Second Regiment.
Company D, (Nealey Rifles. Lewiston), Capt, Walter A, Goss,
Company E, (Skowhegan Light Infantry) Capt, Horace M, Weston,
Company G, (Hamlin Rifles, Bangor) Capt. L. S, Chilcott,
Company H, (Watervllle Light Infantry) Capt. William Vaughan,
First Maine Battery, Brunswick— Capt. O. T, Despeaux, Commandliig.
First Platoon, Lewiston — Lieut. M, J, Moriarty.
Second Platoon, Brunswick — Lieut. Isaac N. Frink.
Guard of Honor— 1st Reg't, M, V, M,
Company F, (Capital Guards, Augusta) Capt, Winfleld S, Choate,

37
The funeral march, called "Governor Bodwell's Funeral
March," was composed for the occasion by Prof. B. W.
Thieme of the National Home Band.
Governor Ames of Massachusetts was represented by Ad
jutant General Dalton, and others of his staff.
There was a touching scene in the rotunda before the re
moval of the casket. The children of the Bath Orphan's
Home, twelve in number, placed upon it a floral tribute of
cut flowers which was very beautiful, also a card which read
as follows :
"In grateful remembrance of the kindness shown by our
departed Governor to the children of the Bath Military and
Naval Orphan Home on their recent visit to the capitol, this
simple offering is made."
The Augusta Capital Guards, Captain W. S. Choate com
manding, marched in the procession as a guard of honor.
The soldierly bearing of the detachment from this company
while on duty at the State House was highly commended by
all. The signal gun for the procession to move was fired a
few minutes before two o'clock. The column was at once set
in motion, while at intervals, minute guns were fired at the
grounds of the capitol. Arrived at theHallowell cemetery,'
the casket was gently taken from the hearse and placed in its
final resting place. Then above the oppressive stillness, came
the mighty crash of artillery, as three salvos were fired from
the guns of the regular battery belonging to the Kennebec
Arsenal, and the funeral services were over.
There was grief in every heart and tears in many eyes, as
the vast concourse of people which had gathered at the ceme
tery turned away and started homeward, and a feeling was
manifest that they had indeed taken a final leave of all that
was mortal of their late Governor and friend.
The following resolves were passed by the Executive
Council : In Council, )
December 20, 1887. j
Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God to remove from our
midst the Chief Magistrate of our State, Joseph R, Bodwell, there
fore.

38
Resolved, That in his sudden and untimely death the State of
Maine has not only lost a most able, conscientious and upright
Executive, but that we, as members of his Council, feel deeply the
loss of a personal friend, and who in all his walk and conversation
impressed us with the great worth of his character and it is with
unqualified pleasure that we bear testimony that in his short oflacial
life with us his only aim and purpose was to do right.
Resolved, That the members of the Executive Council wear a
badge of mourning upon the left breast for thirty days, and that all
State officials be requested to do the same.
Resolved, That these Resolutions be spread upon the Records of
the Council and a copy be engrossed and forward-ed to the family.
Read and unanimously adopted,
Oramandal Smith,
/Secretary of State.
In Council, I
December 20, 1887. j
Whereas, The Governor and Council desire to express their
appreciation of assistance rendered them in the discharge of the
sorrowful duty of arranging for the funeral of our late Governor,
Joseph R, Bodwell, therefore,
Resolved, That a vote of thanks be and is hereby extended to
Councillor Seth M, Carter, Judge George C, Wing and General
George L. Beal, the committee of arrangements ; to the Hon. George
D, Bisbee, chief marshal ; to his aids. Col. Henry M. Sprague, chief
of staff, Capt. S. W. Lane, Major John W, Berry, Fred W. Plaisted
and Col. A, B, Nealey ; to Mayor George E. Macomber, chairman,
'and the other gentlemen comprising the general reception committee ;'''
to A. M. Spear, Esq., and Hon, William D. Pennell, chief ushers,
for the prompt and efficient service they have rendered : to Rev,
Charles A, Hayden and other officiating clergymen ; to the Chicker
ing quartette, with Mrs, Milliken, for the able and appropriate con
duct of the ceremonies; to Gen, Luther Stephenson, Jr,, of the
National Soldiers' Home, and to Capt. Michaelis of the United States
Arsenal for their kind tender of the band and battery ; to Capt. W.
S. Choate and the Capital Guards, and other officers and men of the
military for the part they have taken ; to Mr, Payson Tucker, gen
eral manager of the Maine Central Railroad, for the ample accom
modations and transportation provided, and to the many citizens
who so kindly furnished us with every facility, and rendered us every
service in their power.
The Legislative Committee was constituted as follows : S. H, Allen,
A, W, Rich, George P, Wescott and Samuel Libby of the Senate; and
Chas. E. Littlefleld, J. IIManley, F, A. Powers, Fred N, Dow, J. C. Tal
bot, Lewis A, Barker, E. L. Pattangall and E. K. O'Brien of the House.

?Besides Mayor Macomber, the reeeption committee -wan composed as follows- Geo E
Weeks, E. C. Allen, Chas. E. Nash, II. M. Heath, L. 0. Cornish, Thomas Lombard C w'
Whitten, M. V. B. Chase, S. Titcomb, EUas Milliken, P, O, Vickery and Ira H, Randall ' '

Bodwells of Methuen.

The Bodwells have ever been prominent in the town of
Methuen. At the incorporation of the town in 1725, Daniel
Bodwell was one of the selectmen. At the beginning of the
Revolutionary war, two persons bearing the name of Bod
well were on the committee of correspondence and safety.
Henry Bodwell, the first of the name in this country, was a
soldier in Philip's Indian war and was wounded ; he took the
freeman's oath in Newbury in 1678, then aged 24 years.
Where he was born, his civil condition, the date of his emi
gration and the place where he landed on American soil, are
alike unknown at this date. May 4, 1681, he married Bethiah,
daughter of John, Jr., and Mary (Webster) Emery of New
bury. He lived a short time in Newbury, his oldest child,
Bethiah, being born there in 1682, and then moved to Andoter,
where he was living in 1685. In 1693, John Emery of New
bury gave to his daughter Bethiah, and her husband Henry
Bodwell, one hundred acres of land situated in Haverhill. In
1712, he was living in Haverhill. He was a renowned hunter
and marksman, and a terror to the hostile Indians. He is
said, on one occasion, to have shot an Indian on the opposite
side of the Merrimack, who, thinking himself at a safe dis
tance off, was making insulting gestures. Bodwell's Ferry
and also Bodwell's Falls, commemorate the name of Henry
Bodwell. The children of Henry and Bethiah Bodwell were
as follows :
I, Bethiah, b. June 2, 1682,
II, Mary, b, April 1,1684,
III, Henry and Josiah, (twins) b, January 27, 1685— both d. same year.
IV, Abigail, b, January 15, 1686.
V, Henry, b, November 6, 1688.
VI, James, b, January 16, 1691,
VII, Daniel, b. Pebruary 14, 1693,
VIII, ^ Sarah, b, December 1, 1694,
IX, Hannah, b, September 1, 1696.
X, Judith, b. April 4, 1698,
XL Buth, ta. December 2, 1699.

40

Henry Bodwell, Jr,, married in 1726, Ann, and had the following children :
I. Ann, b. February 25, 1727. '
II, Henry, b. July 26, 1729; m. Mary Robinson.*
Ill, Phehe, b, February 15, 1731,
IV, Bethiah, b. May 25, 1734,
v. Joshua, b, October 4, 1736,
VI, Mary, b. July 21, 1740,
VII, William, b. March, 1743 ; d, young, -«
VIII. William, b. May 18, 1747.
Henry, above-named, who married Mary, daughter of Joseph Robinson
of Haverhill, afterwards of Roxford, had the following children :
I, Henry, b, January 8, 1762,
II, Isaac, b, October 16, 1765,
III, OZiue, b, October 15, 1767,
IV, Persis, b, July 30, 1769,
V, Joseph, b. November 2, 1771 ; m, Mary How,
VI, Nathan, b, October 12, 1773,
VII, Arnold, b, March 22, 1776,
VIII, Elizabeth, b, June 24, 1778,
Joseph Bodwell, the fifth child of Henry and Mary (Robinson) Bod
well, lived lu that part of Methuen which has since been set off and in
corporated as Lawrence, He occupied the homestead of his father, and
engaged in farming, teaming and in other pursuits. His children were :
I, Mary, b, September 15, 1796 ; m, Patrick Flemming,
II, Nathan, b. September 23, 1798.
Ill, Joseph Bobinson, b, October 18, 1800; d, young,
IV. Hazen, b. May 26, 1803,
V, Hannah, b, June 9, 1807,
VI, Christopher, b, October 14, 1809,
VII. Persis. b. November 23, 1811.
Vllt, Elizabeth; b, February 22, 1814,
IX. Nancy, b, March 16, 1816,
X, Joseph Bobinson, (Goverjior Bodwell) b, June 18, 1818,
XI, Henry A., b. August 27, 1821",
Joseph R, Bodwelx, the tenth child of Joseph and Mary (How)
Bodwell, married first, October 3, 1848, Eunice, daughter of Josiah and
Hannah (Austin) Fox of Dracut, Mass, She was born October 22, 1822,
and died in Methuen, December 14, 1857, He married, second, July 25,
1859, Hannah C: Fox, sister of his first wife, who was born in Dracut,
August 3, 1825, Children :
I, Persis Mary, b, August 26, 1849; m. January 2. 1871, Rev, Jotham
M, Paine, who died September 19, 1880, and had Charlie Bodwell (Paine),
b. May 28, 1873,
II, Joseph Fox, b, July 11, 1862, "
*Bom Augusts, 1737, daughter of Joseph and Mehitable (Eames) Robinson, granddaugh
ter of Joseph and Sarah (Stevens) Robinson, and great granddaughter of Joseph Robinson,
bom 1644-5, married May 30, 1671, Elizabeth Ingalls Dane of Andover, Mass. Governor Bod
well was named for his Robinson ancestors.

Tribute of the Press.

Hallowell Register, The grief over Governor Bodwell's death is
deep and sincere. There are not many homes in Hallowell where his gen
erosity has not shown liberal work ; and the whole community, not one
family, is in mourning for their honored dead. The loss financially can
not be estimated. Governor Bodwell was Hallowell's best friend as well as
her most distinguished citizen. His business sagacity formed the strong
foundation for the immense granite works of the city; he was interested
in all public enterprises. As a philanthropist, his heart was big enough
to take in all men of all ranks,
Mr, Bodwell is best known as a business man. He was reluctant to ac
cept honors at the hands of his fellow citizens, who would have delighted
to have continued him in the most responsible places in their gift. Still
he was twice made mayor of the city, declining re-election for the third
term ; twice -made representative to the State Legislature ; twice did Maine
Republicans send him to their national convention ; and he was finally
chosen by the people to the highest office in their gift. All unite in warmest
praise of his administration. Earnest men and women, the whole State over,
believed in him and endorsed his efibrts to gain the enforcement of all the
laws. His death is well-nigh a calamitous blow to the governmental as
well as business. Interests of the State.
Kennebec Journal, This unexpected and melancholy event produces
a deep sensation throughout the State and in other sections of the country
where he was well known, A man of very superior capacity, o"f great
energy and executive ability, the architect of his own fortune, his large
business enterprises have employed capital and labor on a broad scale.
Starting from humble circumstances, he had by his force of character
become recognized as one of the leading personalities of the State, one
of the foremost men of New England, Of large hearted generosity,
faithful in the performance of private and public duties, a devoted hus
band and father, a noble citizen, his death is an irreparable loss to his
family, to his large number of friends and to Maine, whose honored Chief
Magistrate he has proved himself during a year of successful administra
tion.

42

Gospel Banner. As a citizen Governor Bodwell was as exemplary
aud influential as in his diversified business transactions. As Mayor,
legislator, political adviser, and Governor, he was straightforward and
upright, performing every duty faithfully and unselfishly. These virtues
characterized his whole life, Indeed, At home, in society, in business
circles, in official station, he was ever the same honest, unassuming, con
scientious, capable man.
Accepting the doctrines of Unlversalism as the truth divinely commu
nicated to man, his life was an illustration of the faith he held, that God
is the universal Father and all men are brethren. His naturally sympathetic
nature, his cheerful, genial, patient disposition, were strengthened by his
cheering and satisfying religious views. In all the years of his business
career he had the good-will of his many workmen because he sought ever
to do by them as he would have an employer do by him. The Golden
Rule was the chief principle in his system of political economy. That
never fails to beget confidence, respect and loyalty toward a capitalist
who practices it in his dealings with a few or many workmei>,
Maine Farmer, His character and purpose partook of the solidity of
the blocks of granite from his quarries in the hillsides, becoming beauti
ful and symmetrical as these same blocks of granite after passing under
the hammer and the chiselling strokes of the artist. He was especially
the friend of the laboring man, because he had been with him in all his
experience, shared with him his humble fare, and patiently and manfully
toiled to attain the position in life which patient toil and true worth will
bring. He knew how to sympathize with the laboring man, because his
great mind grasped readily the problems of business. He initiated new
enterprises, involving a large expenditure of labor and capital. He would
weigh well the chances of success, organize the enterprise and set the
wheels in motion ; and death found his hands and brain full of schemes
for expanding the business and developing the resources of the State of
his adoption, — the State which he had honored iu citizenship, and which
in turn had conferred upon him its highest honors. He was an approach
able man, hampered by no superficial ideas of false dignity; warm and
cordial in his greetings to his friends. He was always frank, free, cour
teous, 'generous, manly, [n his brief official career as Governor, he
brought to the office the same characteristics that were so conspicuous in
private. He did not weigh for a moment what efiect his acts would have
upon himself or his party; his only inquiry was whether it was legally
and morally right, and whether it would be of benefit to the people at
large. And when fully convinced that the measure was right, he would
be as firm and unyielding as his own granite hills. He was an intense
American, the ripe, rich product of our hardy New England civilization
and institutions. His life and toilsome progress up the hill of success
will be a constant inspiration to the young man, struggling on the farm,
in the shop, in the mill, at the work bench, in the quarries. In the death
of Governor Bodwell, the State is bereft of the services of a faithful Chief

43

Magistrate, the cause of temperance of one of its most consistent up
holders, the town of his residence one of its most enterprising citizens,
his workmen of a just and considerate employer, and his family of a kind
husband and father.
New Age, What was there in this man's life to call forth so much of
general public sympathy aud sorrow, and what the lesson and moral of
it all? It was the great and good qualities of his head and heart as a
business man, that made him so esteemed In life and so regretted in death.
He was Governor, but that added nothing to the public regret — except
the regret that he should have been persuaded to accept the position,
"In the light of events," as Mr. Haydeli said, "it must seem something
more than unkind to force upon liini that responsibility. He had business
enough," He was a rich man, so esteemed, but he was no more honored
for his wealth than envied for it. Men have died in our midst leaving
millions and had no mourners— not one, because their money-making was
without one generous purpose, without a tihought of the public good, of
the general welfare ; promoting no Industries, engaging in no business
but that of the miser— only hoarding, and they had their reward.
It was the use Mr, Bodwell made of his wealth as a business man, in
promoting the industries of the State, that causes him to be lamented and
honored. If he desired to make money, it was because he loved to do
business— the more money and credit at his command, the more business,
the development of more Industries, and the helping of more men to help
themselves. Animated by these generous purposes, his benevolence did
not contract, only expanded, with his means, having no more ofthe miser
in his composition than Santa Glaus, It was this large-hearted and whole-
souled man, and public spirited citizen, Joseph R, Bodwell, whose death
is so generally and deeply felt, and whose memory is so honored. The
lessons of his life are many and the moral of it plain.
Eastern Parmer, In the death of Governor Bodwell, Maine sustains
the greatest loss it ever experienced In the decease of one man. As an
executive officer. Governor Bodwell has proved what his most intimate
friends expected he would, viz,, one of the most successful and popular
of Maine's popular Governors, He entered upon the unsought office with
that honesty of purpose that has characterized his entire life, to admin
ister the laws of the State with equity and justice. The will of the peo
ple, so far as he understood it, has been his will.
As a business man Mr, Bodwell had few equals. Although his enter
prises were enormous in magnitude and varied in their nature, his master
mind could comprehend and direct them all. His judgment was prover
bial, much sought and prized, whether it was in the construction of a State
House, or the building of a railroad; whether it was lumbering, or the
management of an enormous manufacturing establishment, of either wood
or metals; whether it was farming or stock husbandry: with his wonder
ful business capacity he could grasp them all, and has proved their sue-

44
cess beyond a doubt. It is in these great enterprises that Mr. Bodwell's
removal will be most keenly felt by thousands of workmen who Ki^ere di
rectly employed, and thousands more Indirectly in the business enterprises,
the head and front of which was this one man.
Waterville Sentinel, It is estimated that at least ten thousand peo
ple passed through the rotunda of the State House during the day of the
funeral. It was not an altogether formal tribute of mere respect to high
station— a perfunctory duty to the memory of a Governor of the State.
Indeed, such motive could not have called together such numbers from all
ranks of life and all parties from every considerable town in the State, It
was' a deeper feeling. There was the sense of personal as well as public
loss, and a sense of Individual bereavement was felt by hundreds whose
recollections of Joseph R, Bodwell will for many years verify the familiar
couplet : The sweet remembrance of the inst
Shall flourish when he sleeps in dust,
Kennebec Democrat, In the death of Joseph R. Bodwell, Maine
loses one of its best citizens, a man of great business capacity, who was
largely interested in promoting enterprises that tended to the welfare
and prosperity of the State. ' The press and people universally join in
expressing their sympathy for the family of the deceased and pay a just
tribute to the man, who by perseverance and honest toll, has risen from a
poor boy to a condition of wealth and prominence.
Portland Press. By the death of Governor Bodwell the State loses
not only its executive head, but also a public spirited citizen who lias
created great enterprises whicli have been of great value to our people,
and have contributed much to the prosperity of the State. Long before
he became Governor Mr, Bodwell was known and respected throughout
the State for his business capacity and success ; for his interest in all good
causes and his liberality In promoting them ; for his simplicity and upright
ness of character. He had seen little of public life when the people of
Maine elected him to the governorship against his wish, almost against
his protest. As the chief magistrate of the State his course has been dis
tinguished by the same traits that characterized his career in private life.
He has performed the duties that devolved upon him with care and con
scientiousness, and with an eye single to the welfare of the State, Mistakes
he may have made, but his general course has been one to commend him
to the people of the State without distinction of party, as a thoroughly
upright, faithful and conscientious public officer. Governor Bodwell was
the architect of his own fortune, and his career is a conspicuous illustra
tion of the possibilities ibefore the young man in a land where the avenues
to success in life are open to every one on equal terms. What he was he
made himself. He began the battle of life with no reliance but a clear
head, a sound body and a correct moral sense, but industry and persever
ance coupled with good judgment brought him wealth and honor. His

45

life was a noble one, noble in its aspirations and in its, achievements, and
the story of it should be an inspiration to every young man. His path
way at the outset was filled with discouragements, and there was little
promise of the signal success he was destined to achieve. But he battled
on until he had conquered them all and placed his name high up in the
list of the honored men of his State, Against his name is now set the
asterisk of death, but his memory will be cherished so long as men con
tinue to admire a life of high aspiration, of noble achievement, of con
scientious performance of duty.
Evening Express, Governor Bodwell was emphatically one of the
people. He was self-made, and achieved a high measure of success. The
example of his life is one full of encouragement to the youth of our State,
the hardy sons of toil, who have few advantages. He began his career
with little save willing hands, a stout heart, and an Integrity proof against
all the blandishments of vice. Although unskilled in state-craft, he has
filled the gubernatorial chair with dignity and strength and to the satis
faction of all good people.
In the death of Governor Bodwell, the State is bereft of the services of
a faithful Chief Magistrate, the cause of temperance of one of its most
consistent upholders, the town of his residence one of its most enterpris
ing citizens, his workmen of a just and considerate employer, and his fam
ily of a kind husband and father.
Governor Bodwell was broad in his sympathies, generous and just in
his nature, and the soul of integrity. He was a Republican in politics as
the result of convictions strengthened by years of study and observation ;
but he was uot a narrow man in any particular.
Eastern Argus, Joseph R, Bodwell was a man of great force of char
acter and unquestioned integrity. From humble beginnings he, by Industry
frugality and sagacity, built up a great business in his adopted State, and
came to be its executive. Kindly of heart and open of hand,he endeared him
self to all those who had dealings wlthhim, Themosttouchlngtrlbuteofhis
worth is the grief of the men who knew him best— the men in his employ,
who so often profited by his kindness, and whose fortunes he was always
ready and often eager to advance.
Portland Advertiser. Governor Bodwell was emphatically a self-
made man. The story of his career illustrates anew the opportunities
open to a poor boy in this country, and shows what may be accomplished
on a capital of nothing but Industry, perseverance and sound sense. Con
scientiousness and good intentions have directed Governor Bodwell's ex
ecutive acts, and his has been an administration of high respectability.
He dies universally honored and regretted,
• Lewiston Journal, The most profound sorrow will be caused
throughout our State and wherever our good Gpvernor was known
among men, by the news of the death of. Joseph R. Bodwell, the Chief

46

Magistrate of Maine. Governor Bodwell was esteemed for both his noble
private life and his conscientious performance of his public duties. He
was a sterling man and a sterling Governor, He was loved best at
Hallowell, where he was loved as a neighbor and friend — the best friend
that Hallowell ever had.
The story of Governor Bodwell's life is already well known to the people
of Maine." It is the story of a boy who struggled against obstacles
which would have dismayed a heart less stout than his, but who conquered
and became one of the richest and most honored citizens of his adopted
State. The secret of his success may be seen in his determined persever
ance and in his unerring fidelity to his associates as well as to himself.
If ever there was a true man, Governor Bodwell was one. If ever there
was a man whom temptation could not lure from the line of rectitude and
honor, Governor Bodwell was one. Recognizing his solid abilities, it is
his firm and spotless character that we most admire.
When he was elected Governoi of Maine, he had very little acquain
tance with the afiairs of the State, and it was a trying position for him ;
but he devoted his rugged and unbending energies to its demands, and
proved in every way equal to them. It was very evident to all observers
that Governor Bodwell was Governor of Maine, himself! His individ
uality was prominent in all his official acts. He performed every duty as
his conscience directed. He was a strong Governor, His vigorous efforts
to have all the laws of the State enforced made the conspicuous feature
of his administration. His death will be especially deplored by the
friends of law, order and temperance, in whose support his back-bone
had jsroven a column of iron,
Bangor Whig and Courier, The sudden announcement of the death
of Governor Bodwell just at a time when the people of Maine, after days
of anxious watching, were beginning to feel a sense of security and to
hope that our honored Chief Magistrate was on the road to a speedy re
covery, will prove a severe shock to the entire State, which is thus de
prived of a most worthy Executive as well as a highly esteemed aud
valued citizen. In the death of Governor Bodwell the State of Maine
meets with a loss that cannot be overestimated, not so much on account
of his official connection with the government, for, notwithstanding the
unquestioned merit of his administration, strong apd earnest as it was,
his place as Chief Executive can be filled, but the place of Joseph R,
Bodwell the public-spirited, broad-minded, energetic and whole-souled
citizen cannot be supplied. Always ready to respond to the appeal for
aid, and with the recollection of his own early struggles fresh in his mem
ory, his sympathy and generous assistance were freely given to those who,
like himself, had to make their own way in the world. He was a philan
thropist in the full sense of the word and gave freely of his large means
to aid all worthy objects. As Governor, the same devotion to principle that*
ever manifested itself in his private business relations marked his public
career. He devoted his best energies to the promotion of the welfare of

47

the State, always acting up to his true convictions in all his official acts,
An honest, true man, his life in public as well as private affairs has been
one of spotless integrity. A fearless champion of what he believed to be
right, and an uncompromising foe to all wrong doing, he leaves a name
that will long be honored in the State of his adoption,
Bangor Commercial, It is not too much to say that the announce
ment of the death of Governor Joseph R, Bodwell, which occurred at his
residence in Hallowell at an early hour this morning, will cause a more
painful shock to the people of the State than the decease of perhaps any
other eminent citizen would have done. This is not perhaps so much due
to the exalted office which Mr, Bodwell held as to the feeling that he rep
resented in himself the growing prosperity of the State, whose resources
his tireless energy had done so much to develop.
Governor Bodwell always believed In the future of Maine, and his confi
dence was of that practical character which leads the possessor to invest
money and time to aid in its realization. There was no branch of indus
trial development in Maine iu which Governor Bodwell's business genius
and tireless energy did not make itself felt. In agriculture, in manufact
uring, in railroad development, in extensive business enterprises of all
kinds, he has been constantly and extensively engaged and in all he has
been successful. One great secret of his business success seems to have
been his faculty of selecting the right men to co-operate with him and
then in infusing into them a portion of his own enthusiasm in his work.
He was a man of very decided convictions and could not be Served from
what he believed to be right by any considerations of mere expediency.
Personally Governor Bodwell was a most agreeable gentleman. He
had a very kind heart and his charities have been numerous if not osten
tatious in their character. His death will be deeply felt all over the State,
aud it is to be feared that to some ofthe extensive enterprises in which he
was engaged his loss will be almost irreparable,
Biddeford Journal. To-day Maine mourns the loss of her Chief
Magistrate and one of her foremost citizens. The click of the telegraph
that announced the death of Joseph R, Bodwell at an early hour this
morning, sent a shock over the State that was responded to with bowed
heads and one universal utterance of sorrow and lamentation.
By this sudden dispensation of Providence, Maine loses a model
citizen and a model Governor, At the time of his death his business
relations were simply stupendous, reaching from Maine to Georgia, and
. embracing a wide variety of interests. But amid it all no «loud ever rose
to obscure his rising sun. As the head of a household ; as a neighbor,
pure and above reproach in private life ; as a man of honor and strict
integrity in small and large business affairs alike, and as a shining example,
Aom the small beginnings of early boyhood to the zenith of his wonder
fully successful life, but few men in Maine or out of it to-day measure up
to his full stature of excellence.

48

Less than a year ago he was inaugurated Governor, Tlie people of
Maine know his record. He has stamped his grand individuality upon his
brief administration in characters of living light, which will give him an
enduring place among Maine's ablest and best chief magistrates, and
prove eminently worthy of emulation by those who may come after him,
Calais Advertiser, Governor Bodwell was emphatically a self-
made man. The story of his career illustr;i,tes anew the opportunities
open to a poor boy in this country, and shows what may be accomplished
on a capital of nothing but industry, perseverance, and sound sense.
Camden Herald, An honest, courageous, noble man has fallen ; and
the expression of regret of men of all political parties is almost universal.
His death, occurring so soon after his inauguration and just as the people
ofthe State are learning his worth and ability as a ruler, is peculiarly sad.
Republican Journal, The story of Governor Bodwell's life is told'
in other columns. It is a record of which Americans may well feel proud,
and conveys lessons that the young men of this country may study with
profit. The farmer's boy, who, with no other capital than his strong mus
cles, stout heart, sterling integrity and sound common sense, attains
wealth and high position, is a purely American product, and it is mainly
to men of this stamp that the prestige and prosperity, of our country are
due. Maine owes to her late Governor a debt not readily computable.
He was the gioneer and prime motor in the development of her granite
industry. By the importation of blooded stock, and in other ways, he
did much to promote our agricultural interests. He was concerned in
Maine's Winter harvest, the ice crop, and in building up our summer re
sorts. In short, he was a man of many and varied business Interests — a
man of rare executive ability and untiring industry, He was a friend of
the educational interests, and so staunch a temperance man that in his last
illness he positively refused to take stimulants.
Governor Bodwell was not a politician. In the few instances in which
he held office the office sought the man, and was oftener refused than ac
cepted. It was with great reluctance that he became a candidate for Gov
ernor last year, and it was only from a sense of duty to his party, for he
was a staunch Republican, that he finally yielded to the solicitations of
his friends. He brought to the office the same business methods followed
in his private affairs, and sought to perform the duties in the interest of
the whole people. No thought as to political consequences Influenced his
acts. An honest purpose characterized his administration. He was the
friend ofthe working man, having never lost sight of his own early strug- '
gles, and the attainment of wealth and political honors made no change
in his simple habits and unafi"ected manner of life. The many tributes to
the memory of the deceased are well deserved, and he is sincerely mourned
by all our people.

49
Belfast City Press, Mr, Bodwell was, in many respects, a remarka
ble man and one of a type rarely found in any other country than ours.
By his own native ability and unflagging energy he rose from poverty to
wealth, from obscurity to become the governor of a State celebrated for
producing able men. He brought to all his undertakings an earnestness
of purpose which insured their success from the outset; he pushed them
forward with a vigor which kept them constantly at the front. In all the
varied relations of life he was an exemplary citizen. His reputation was
unsullied, his disposition kindly, and his courage unflinching. His life
has its lesson ; so, too, has his death. That restless activity which impelled
him forward from one enterprise to another, allowing him only the rest
obtained from change of occupation, though one of the factors which
rendered such a career possible,^ exacted its payment in so exhausting
vitality as to occasion the sad event whereat an entire State mourns. Yet
how better can a man die than in the flower of a well-spent life and at
the topmost pinnacle of his success? In such a manner has our Chief
Magistrate departed. May he rest In peace,
Somerset Reporter, Sorrow for Governor Bodwell is genuine and
- pervades all classes. Probably no man in Maine was ever mourned
more sincerely and generally. He was one of God's noblest works,
"an honest man," His was a wonderful combination of soul, brain, '
energy, and courage such as appears only at the rarest intervals. One
need only look into his honest eyes to know that the soul that looked
out through them was a pure one, and that the brain behind them was a
large, broad one. He drew his friends around him as with hooks of steel.
Good men believed in him and stood by him when once they came to know
him. His was a noble nature, and that nobility was manifested in unos
tentatious deeds of benevolence and charity. He was pre-eminently the
laborer's friend, always popular with the hundreds of men constantly in
his employ. He was a business man in Its broadest sense, with a capacity
to grasp the situation, comprehend great business problems and solve
them. The loss to the State of so wise and faithful a chief magistrate is
indeed great, but the loss to the business interests of the State is greater
and second only to the loss sustained by his family friends. A great, a
noble, a grand man is dead and the citizens of the State, without regard
to party or creed, in every city, village and town mourn his decease,
Aroostook Times, Governor Bodwell was honest and straightfor
ward in all his dealings, and it is said of him that he could never under
stand or acquire the political diplomacy which shakes hands with and
stabs a man at the same time. Having made up his mind that a measure
was right and just, he gave it his support, and the political intrigue which
surrounded him was uncongenial. His life furnishes an object lesson to
the young of great value, showing, as it does, that there is no royal road

50
to fame and fortune in this land. It should serve to warn men like the
late Governor that political preferment is au empty show and a sore vex
ation, Piscataquis Observer. He was a powerful example of a self-made
man. Born in obscurity, with an indomitable will and a determination to
make something of himself, this giant fought his way, step by step,
against odds that would terrify an ordinary heart. Liberal-minded,
whole souled, with a capacity for business that was unlimited ; fine social
gifts, a big heart that went out toward his fellow men and melted at sight
of suffering ; always giving something for the needy ; with love for truth,
purity — yea, a Christianity .that knew no creed, he was every inch a man;
and his early death will be a great blow to State and Nation, and regretted
by men of all parties or classes, He loved his State above the selfish
clamor of party strife, and performed the duties of Chief Magistrate with
a wisdom and impartiality born of his sagacity and noble character. But
"the paths of glory lead but to the grave," and the good citizen, the
tender-hearted, charitable man, the loving husband and father, is no more.
Death claims its own, and the great man sleeps.
"Leaves have their time to fall,
And flowers to wither at the North-wind's breath,
The stars to set; — but all.
Thou hast all seasons for thine o-wn, O Death !"
Boston Traveller. He brought to the office of the Governorship a
rare business experience and marked executive ability, and has honored
his State as well as himself by his wise and vigorous administration of
public affairs. Maine loses in his death an able executive, and one of the
foremost and most public spirited of her citizens,
Boston Herald, Governor Bodwell was not an orator or a politician.
He was a plain, persistent busines man. He worked harder than any man
in his employ, and he had many. His habits were simple, and he was
not puffed up by money. When he ran for Governor, there were no
scandals to be raked up for use against him. He was an excellent ex
ample of the best product of our institutions — honest, serviceable men,
Boston Globe, The death of Governor Bodwell of Maine is a sur
prise to the people of this State and elsewhere, though it was not wholly
unexpected by those who were informed as to his condition. Governor
Bodwell was a self-made man, and he endeavored to discharge faithfully
the duties which the citizens of Maine committed to him,
Boston Journal, Mr, Bodwell was generous in his impulses, affable
in his manner, and in his private character without reproach. He was
strictly temperate in practice as well as in theory, and the vigorous efforts
which he made as Governor to secure the thorough enforcement of the
liquor laws of the State were prompted by conviction, not by political

51

exigency. He brought to the office of Governor the same qualities which
had made his business career honorable and successful, and his adminis
tration refiects credit upon the State and honor upon his memory.
Progressive Age, He was a sample of the men who attain to con
spicuous positions under our free government by unaided effort. In youth
and early manhood, his lot was similar to tens of thousands who are de
prived of adventitious aids to raise them to success. The way to riches
and eminence which he travelled is open to every young man who has the
native ability and capacity to success. Those are essential, and without
them success is hardly attainable, struggle as we may. Those qualities
joined to energetic, well directed labor were what secured to him an hon
orable position among the distinguished of the land. Of his social quali
ties as a man and a citizen, it is superfluous to speak.
Eastern State, Governor Bodwell held a high and honorable position
in the estimation of the people of this country. He was not a politician,
in any sense of the word, but simply a plain business man, who had arisen
to prominence by his industry, perseverance and strict attention to busi
ness. From small beginnings he had become one of the foremost business
men of New England, engaged in vast enterprises in which he was a
leader, not by any self assumed importance, but because men trusted him
and his sagacious judgment. Though such was his standing in the busi
ness world, the quality of the man was best shown at his home in Hallo
well, where he was looked up to as a friend of every one, and trusted by
all as but few even are ever trusted.
Ellsworth American. Hon, Joseph R, Bodwell of Hallowell, was
a man well known to the people of this State as one who by indomitable
perseverance, foresight and ability, created and maintained a varied busi
ness which not only brought wealth to himself, but gave remunerative
wages to hundreds of his employes. In this way he became a real bene
factor, for he helped men to help themselves, which is the best charity the
world has ever known. He was a genuine alchemist, transmuting all he
touched in a business way, even our granite hills, into gold.
Free Press, By this dispensation the State loses a Chief Magistrate
whose brief term in office had added to the great measure of respect and
esteem which he had long enjoyed as a private citizen. His quick percep
tion, clear judgment, strict sense of honor, firmness, and the courageous
performance of every obligation, which had marked his career from youth
to manhood and crowned his years with wealth and honor, promised to
render Mr. Bodwell's administration as Governor one of the ablest and
most successful in the State's history. It has been cut short by death;
but not until it had forcibly illustrated how sterling, innate manhood may
rise superior to adventitious circumstances of the most discouraging
character.

Resolutions of Respect.

From a large number of resolutions passed by State organ
izations, city governments, and other civic bodies, the follow
ing are selected for publication :
MAINE STATE GRANGE.
Whereas, the Maine State Grange in common with all other associa
tions, organizations and Individuals in the State realize the irreparable
loss we have all sustained by the removal from our midst of our hon
ored and respected Chief Magistrate, Hon, Joseph R, Bodwell; and
whereas, he was known to be in deep sympathy with the principles of our
Order, and deeply Interested in all our agricultural interests, it seems emi
nently fitting that we, members of the Maine State Grange, in annual
meeting assembled, should place upon our records the sense of our great
loss — therefore,
Besolved, That while bowing in obedience to the Supreme Will, we
desire to affectionately express our appreciation of his worth, both as a
man and as a ruler ; of his eminent faithfulness to all trusts committed to
his keeping, and of the great ability and honor with which he has dis
charged the arduous and responsible duties of his high office.
Besolved, That in the disinterested and generons spirit which marked
his intercourse with all men; in the deep interest he has always taken in
the working classes; in his great efforts towards the upbuilding of the
State, and the good of all its citizens, he has written his name in kindness,
love and mercy upon the hearts of thousands with whom he came in con
tact, and by whom his generous deeds and kindly acts will never be for
gotten, Besolved, That we extend our warmest sympathy to the family and
immediate friends, of our departed Chief Magistrate while yet the earth
is fresh upon his coffin, and assure them that every heart throughout our
whole State feels a large share in their personal sorrow,
Besolved, That these resolutions be inscribed upon our records and that
a copy be sent to his family.
MAINE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE,
Whereas, The Board of Agriculture and citizens of Strong and vicinity,
assembled in a Farmer's Institute, have received with feelings of profound
sadness the telegram announcing the painful intelligence of the death of
our chief executive, Governor Bodwell, therefore,
Besolved, That in his untimely and sudden death we realize that the
State loses an able and conscientious Executive, an active business man, a
faithful promoter of its agricultural interests, and a loyal friend of the
laborer wherever found.

53

Besolved. That in this sad bereavement, we tender our deepest sympathy
to the family and relatives of the deceased in their deep affliction, and to
the many warm friends his wide business and social relations have won,
HALLOWELL CITY GOVERNMENT,
The City Council in joint convention passed the following resolutions :
Whereas, The Great Power Who rules us all has called from labor one
of our most honored citizens, it is with profound sorrow and sadness we
learn of the death of him whom the citizens of this State had learned to
love as Its Chief Magistrate; one whose large heart could take in matters
of national importance, and still have room to consider the wants of the
humblest poor ; one whose name has stood for all that was honorable and
manly among his fellows; a citizen of purest life and perfect integrity,
whose name Is destined to fill a conspicuous place in the history of our
city, and of our State, Therefore,
Besolved, That our heartfelt sympathy be tendered to the bereaved
family of our honored friend. They have lost one whose domestic virtues
were no less distinguished than those of a public nature. May we hope
that when the pain of their loss may be soothed by time, they may find
comfort and consolation in the recollection that his memory is held in
grateful affection by the hearts of his neighbors, his fellow citizens, and
all who were brought into business connection with bim,
Besolved. That in the death of Joseph R, Bodwell, this city has lost one
of its greatest and truest friends, one who has been largely instrumental
in adding to its prosperity, and who has always been ready to aid with his
advice and counsel, his example and influence, all enterprises which would
benefit the city both morally and financially,
Besolved, That we unite with citizens from all parts of the State in
regarding his loss as a public calamity,
HALLOWELL CITIZENS,
At a mass meeting of the citizens, held Saturday evening, with Mayor
Fuller as chairman, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted,
which were drawn up by a committee, composed of Messrs, Beane, Ro well.
Currier, Clary and Warner ¦
In citizens' meeting, assembled:
Whereas, By Divine Providence, one of our citizens has been called
from our midst to live with those who have gone before in a brighter and
happier home ; and, whereas it is fitting and proper that tbe sympathy of
neighbors and friends should be extended to the family and mourning
relatives; Therefore,
Besolved, That in the death of our fellow citizen, Hon, Joseph R, Bod
well, we realize as only neighbors can, our great loss. Generous hearted
and ever given to charity, many hearts now do and ever will revere his
memory. Open and frank in his social relations, his death fills the hearts
of all citizens with sadness. Manly and honest in his business affairs,
his loss causes grief to his business associates His pleasant smile and
cordial greeting, in addition to his noble qualities, endeared him to all,
and will ever keep his memory fresh in the minds of all who knew him.
Besolved, That to his mourning family we extend our heartfelt and
sincere sympathy. With them we also mourn.
The secretary of this meeting, Mr. D. K. Jewell, was Instructed to pre
sent a copy of the above resolutions to the afflicted family,
Mr. Beane offered the following resolutions :
In citizens' meeting:
Besolved, That it is the sense of this meeting that all business within
the city should be suspended and all places of business remain closed
Tuesday,December 20, the burial day of our honored citizen, Joseph R.
Bodwell. Unanimously adopted.

54

PORTLAND CITY GOVERNMENT,
Having assembled in joint convention, the Mayor presiding, Alderman
Marks offered the following resolutions :
The Mayor, Aldermen and Common Council of the city of Portland,
assembled in City Council upon the announcement of the death of the
Governor of the State, appreciating the profound respect entertained
for him personally by the citizens of Portland and sharing deeply in the
general sense of public loss at the sudden close of his useful and
honored life, Thei'efore,
Besolved, That the news of the death of the Chief Magistrate of our
State, Honorable Joseph R, Bodwell, at his home in Hallowell this morn
ing, is received by the city of Portland with the deepest regret ; that his
private life and personal character, his long and eminently successful and
honorable business career and great influence in developing the resources
and Industries of Maine, his courage, energy and good judgment in pro
tecting and managing large business enterprises, his broad and generous
spirit and ready encouragement and aid to all that tended to serve the
public interests, justly entitle him to respect and remembrance as a dis
tinguished citizen who has deserved well of the State,
That he brought to the discharge of the duties of his high office all the
resources of his practical experience and ability, a keen sense of the
obligations and duties which the chief magistracy devolved upon him,
a spirit of vigilant fidelity to every trust and an incorruptible honesty of
purpose;— and that he leaves to his family and the State both in his pri
vate and his official life the legacy of an unsullied name.
That these resolutions be extended upon the records of the city and a
copy of them be transmitted to Governor Bodwell's family as an expres
sion of sincere and respectful sympathy,
BANGOR CITY GOVERNMENT.
At a largely attended meetingof the City Council Friday evening, called
by Mayor Bragg to take appropriate action on the death of Governor
Bodwell, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted :
Besolved, That the City Council of Bangor, in common with all citizens
of Maine, has received with sincere sorrow, intelligence of the death of
the Chief Magistrate ofthe State, and they desire on their own behalf and
on that of the citizens of Bangor to express profound regard for the mem
ory of the late Governor Joseph R, Bodwell, their appreciation of his high
personal character, his exceptional capacity for office and his hearty and
constant promotion of the moral and material welfare of his State, In his
removal the State has lost a faithful and fearless officer, the industrial in
terests of the people an enterprising and inspiring leader, and the cause
of moral reform an earnest an unswerving defender. His life illustrates
the success under our free institutions possible to diligence and virtue, and
presents to the rising generation an example full of encouragement and
worthy of emulation. Such a life of prosperity honorably gained recalls
the ancient proverb, "Man's character is his destiny,"
Besolved, That the City Council tenders its hearty sympathy to the
family of Governor Bodwell in this severe bereavement, which no human
words can alleviate, but which will be illuminated by the ever present
memory ofthe affectionate, generous life, whose termination they mourn,
GARDINER CITT GOVERNMENT,
It is fitting that the citizens of Gardiner should tender some tribute of
their respect to the memory of their late Governor, whose remains are
now lying in state at the Capitol,

55

I would therefore request that all places of business and all manufac
tories be closed between the hours of 11 A, M, and 2 P, M, of Tuesday,
the 20th instant, at which time the last ceremonies in his honor will be
performed, A committee on behalf of the City Council and one representative of
the citizens at large, will attend the funeral services at Augusta,
John J, Berrt, Mayor,
A committee consisting of Hon. Joshua Gray, Hon. Wm, F, Richards,
0, B, Clason, Esq,, Henry Farrington, Esq,, Capt, E, W, Atwood, G, W,
Hezelton, Esq,, were chosen to represent the citizens at large to attend
the funeral services of Gov, Bodwell, and to act in connection with the
committee from the City Council,
ROCKLAND KNIGHTS OF LABOR.
The following resolutions were passed by the Rockbound Assembly,
Knights of Labor, at Vinalhaven, and are most significant and interesting
as the members of that organization, almost without exception, are em
ployes of the Bodwell Granite Company,
Besolved, That we profoundly mourn the sudden and untimely death of
Hon, Joseph R, Bodwell, late Governor of the State of Maine, who for a
third of a century has been so prominently identified with the business
and progressive enterprise ofthe State of Maine and especially this town.
Besolved, That in his death we deplore the loss of au honest employer,
whose simplicity of character endeared him to the poorest, one who was
ever ready to listen to and redress the grievances of his employes, as was
evidenced by agreements entered into between himself and this assembly,
Besolved, That his official acts, the signing of all the bills passed in the
Interests of the laboring people of the State while in the Governor's chair,
have enshrined his memory in the heart of every true reformer in the
State, Besolved, That as a fitting testimony to the memory of our late em
ployer, and to show in our humble way some appreciation of the services
he has rendered to the cause of labor, we send one of our number to rep
resent this assembly at the funeral and that a fioral tribute be offered as
a fitting tribute of our sorrow.
JOHN B, HUBBARD POST, G, A, R,
At the meeting of John B, Hubbard Post, No, 20, G. A, R,, of Hallo
well, held on Monday evening last, a committee was appointed to draft
resolutions in honor of the memory of our departed Governor and fellow
citizen. The following resolutions were submitted and unanimously
adopted :
Whereas, By the dispensation of Divine Providence our honored Chief
Magistrate and beloved citizen, Hon, Joseph R, Bodwell, has been taken
from earth to his reward above, at a time when his services and influence
seemed almost indispensable in carrying forward the public and business
interests of this community and of the State, therefore,
Besolved, That we, as comrades of the Grand Army of the Republic,
sincerely mourn the loss of one who was ever ready to extend to us a
helping hand in carrying forward our benevolent enterprises, and in
maintaining the principles so dear to every American citizen,
Besolved, That we sympathize deeply with his family in their sad bereave
ment, and assure them that the memory of the loved and honored husband,
father and friend will ever be reverently cherished by an afflicted and sor
rowing commonwealth, , , , i. ^ •^
Besolved, That a copy of these resolutions be furnished to the family
of the deceased, and that they also be spread upon our lecords and pub
lished in the Hallowell Register and Kennebec Journal,

56

AUGUSTA CITY COUNCIL,
Whereas, Divine authority, in His mysterious wisdom, has deemed it
well to call from his earthly labors our lamented Governor, Hon, Joseph
R. Bodwell, it is considered proper that some expression of our sense of
the great loss we have suffered thereby, should be made by this body.
Therefore, Besolved, That it is with the greatest sorrow that we have received the
news of the death of the beloved Governor of our State; that in his life
we recognize those sterling qualities of manhood which have made him a
kind and loving husband and father; an honest and conscientious citizen ;
a pure, wise and incorruptible official, and a benefactor of his race. We
deeply mourn his loss and extend our sympathy to his family in their great
bereavement, and our commiseration to the people of the great State he
loved so well and whose interests he did so much to promote and develop.

SONS AND DAUGHTERS OP MAINE IN LOWELL, MASS.
Whereas, The Great Governor of the universe has seen best to permit
the departure from this world of the Hon, Joseph R. Bodwell, Governor
pf our native State of Maine, in the midst of his official responsibilities
and in the ripened vigor of his mature manhood, whereby a great State is
deprived of a noble citizen and a wise ruler, therefore,
Besolved, That we, the Sons aud Daughters of Maine Association, in
this city, place upon record our sympathy with our brothers and sisters
in the loss they have sustained, and unite with them in our testimonial of
the worth of so upright and honorable a man and ruler.
As one, in a special manner suited to represent the self reliant, honest,
Industrious, independent, ambitious and working character of the people
of our native State,
As one, in himself, a noble example of what a young man can do, be,
and become by correct habits, uprightness of character and patient toil,
though commencing the journe.y of life in its humblest paths.
As one, who in himself, as a man was an example to laboring men by
his own habits of toil, and also to business men by his honesty, fairness,
promptness, faithfulness and public spiritedness, that work and upright
ness are the true secrets of success.
As one, who as a citizen, by his unaffected sympathy, his free and wise
benevolence to the poor and all good objects, illustrated the nobility of
unselfishness. As one, who as a man cast the weight of his character, wealth and infiu
ence in favor of whatever promoted the temperance, purity, good morals,
education and building up of society.
As one, who as a ruler, though firm and independent in his convlctlon=,
was impartial and upright in his administrations, commanding the confi
dence and respect not only of his own party but of all the people.
In fine, as one, who in the varied relations of life, as a man, a citizen
and a ruler, vvas an encouragement to the poor, an example to the rich,
a friend to the needy, an aid to reform and an honor to the State; and
whose death is a loss to humanity,
Besolved, That our sympathies are, extended to our native State in the
departure of so valuable a citizen ; and to the family in the death of so
true and affectionate a member,
Besolved, That these resolutions be spread upon our record book, a copy
forwarded to the family of the departed Governor, the Senate and House
of Representatives of Maine,

57

MILFORD LAND AND LUMBER COMPANY.
Besolved, That we, the stockholders ofthe Milford Land and Lumber Com
pany, in annual meeting assembled, desire to give expression to our deep
sorrow at the death of its leading spirit and constant friend as well as its
honored President, Joseph R, Bodwell.
Be?olved, That in all the relations he sustained with us, both personally
and officially, he was always actuated by principles of the highest integ
rity and unswerving fidelity to all interests committed to his charge.
Besolved, That we will ever cherish his memory for his sterling qualities
. as a man ; for his broad views and large abilities as a manager of affairs ;
for the great and active interest he always manifested for the prosperity
of the community ; and for his incorruptible character as Chief Magistrate
of the State which loved and honored him for all these qualities combined,
BODWELL WATER POWER COMPANY.
Besolved, That the Directors of the Bodwell Water Power Company
with unaffected sorrow profoundly mourn the death of its President,
Joseph R. Bodwell,
Besolved, That in his death we sincerely deplore the great loss of the
projector and efficient supporter of this company ; that we desire on our
own behalf, and that of all its members, to express our high regard and
appreciation for his pure personal character, his extraordinary capacity
for affairs, and his hearty and untiring efforts for the welfare of this
association, Besolved, That we sincerely concur in the truthful expressions of sor
row and mourning throughout the State, by its citizens, over its loss of an
honest, resolute, and conscientious chief magistrate,
Besolved, That in his most useful and honorable career as the leader
in the industrial interests of the State, and for the promotion of which
his memory will ever be affectionately and gratefully perpetuated, he
cannot be replaced.
Besolved, That to none of his works can we point more confidently than
to this company, for evidence that he who has now gone from among us,
full of years and honor, was a good and great man ; genial in his nature,
wise in judgment, truthful to the last degree, filled with noble impulses
and doing with might whatsoever his hand found to do,
Besolved, That these resolutions be extended upon our records, and a
copy famished to his family, to whom we extend our heartfelt sympathy
and condolence; and also that a copy be furnished to the press for
publication, BATH LODGE OF GOOD TEMPLARS,
Whereas, It has pleased our Heavenly Father in His mysterious provi
dence to remove by death our beloved and highly esteemed Governor, Hon,
Joseph R. Bodwell, and it becomes us in some suitable manner to recog
nize the event, therefore,
Besolved, That in the death of Governor Bodwell the temperance cause
in this State has lost one of its firmest and most devoted advocates ; one who
was willing to make the largest sacrifices for the good of his fellow-men.
Besolved, That in his death we are called upon to put forth greater
efforts in the cause, and by constant vigilance, unwearied perseverance,
and examples of purity, emulate his virtues, and that we hear in this
providence of God, a summons to a purer devotion to temperance than we
have heretofore cherished,
Besolved, That we hereby tender our heartfelt sympathy to the family
of our lamented Governor, and that this brief memorial be entered upon
our records, and a copy of the foregoing preamble and resolutions be
sent to the family of the deceased.
6

58

CITY OF LEWISTON.
Whereas, It has pleased our Heavenly Father to remove from our
midst our Chief Magistrate, Joseph R, Bodwell ;
Whereas, The citizens of Lewiston on hearing the sad announcement
of his death unanimously expressed themselves, that the State had suffered
a great loss, and the friends of temperance its noblest advocate ;
Besolved, That the flags of the city be placed at half mast until after the
obsequies of our deceased Governor.
Besolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the records of the City
Council, and that they be published in the press of the city and a copy of
them be forwarded to the family of our lamented Chief Executive._
Besolved, That out of respect to his memory we do now adjourn without
the transaction of any further tausiness,
THE NEW YORK AND BOSTON RAP-ID TRANSIT COMPANY.
Whereas, We are summoned to surrender our companionship with
Governor Joseph R, Bodwell, late President of this Company, whoseeffi-
ciency in the work of developing the great enterprise to which it is
devoted cannot be expressed in any formal statement, and whose business
example furnished a constant inspiration to us his associates and friends,
therefore, Besolved, That we unite in lamenting the decease of one who never
failed to command our high respect and appealed to our deep affection
by the Inestimable qualities of his large and sympathetic heart.
That we testify together to our appreciation of the pure purpose and
stainless integrity that stamped him as a man almost singular in the mul
titude with which he mingled, and.
That we sincerely join with the family and immediate friends of the de
ceased in deploring his unexpected departure, and tender them our deep
sympathies in their heavy affliction, which must nevertheless be lightened
with so many consolations,
Besolved, That this expression of our common sorrow be entered on the
records of this Company and a copy of the same be forwarded to his be
reaved family, CITY OF BATH,
Whereas, We, the City Council of Bath, in convention assembled,
learn with profound sadness of the death of Hon, Joseph R, Bodwell,
Governor ofthe State of Maine, which occurred at his home in Hallowell
on tjie ISth instant, and join with our sister municipalities in deploring
the great loss sustained by our State, therefore,
Besolved, That in the death of Governor Bodwell, the State has lost
an able, honest, earnest, upright, conscientious, faithful, unselfish and
unassuming Executive ; one who will be remembered as the honest poli
tician, the sincere patriot, the faithful friend, the enemy of no one living.
Besolved, That the various industries of our State have lost one of their
firmest and truest friends, for in Joseph R, Bodwell was combined expe
rience, sagacity, public spirit, enterprise and strict integrity, so that he
eould command large resources to aid in any enterprise he might
engage in.
He leaves to his family and the State of his adoption a life worthy of
emulation by the young men of the country,
Besolved, That a copy of the resolutions be published in the daily
papers and a copy be forwarded to the family of the deceased Governor,
and that the flags of our city be kept at half mast until after the day of
the funeral,
Besolved, That a committee of the City Government' be appointed to
attend the funeral of the deceased Governor,
Besolved, That the places of business in the city be requested to close
during the hours of the funeral.

Messages of Condolence.

Many letters and telegrams of sympathy and condolence
were received by the family, on the occasion of the death of
Governor Bodwell, from various parts of the country, only
a few of which can be inserted here. They were largely
from business men in the principal cities, in New Orleans,
New York, Philadelphia and Boston, with whom Mr. Bodwell
had had large business transactions, and some were from
State officials and business associates in Maine. The whole, of
which the following are only samples, make up a tribute of
respect which the death of few men in Maine or the country
would have brought out. Rockland, 1
December 16th, 1887, J
Mrs. j, R, Bodwell,
Bespected Madam:
I offer you most sincerely my heartfelt sympathy in this hour of your
great trial and sorrow, I am fully aware that no words of mine cau be
of any consolation to you in this day of your great affliction.
Through the instrumentality of an all-wise Providence you are called
to mourn the death of a dear and loving husband, and the State an honest,
upright, intelligent, manly man. By the death of Governor Bodwell the
State and the country has lost one of Its foremost men, and we who knew
him intimately in all the relations of life, a true and noble friend.
In this season of your bereavement it must be, and probabl.y is, a con
solation to you and your children that the people in every home of our
State join in their condolence to you and yours in this great affliction.
May God in His infinite mercy, give you strength and fortitude to bear
the' trouble that has so suddenly and unexpectedly visited your' happy
home. Again extending my sympathy to you and to your bereaved
family, I am, with great respect,
JOHN S, CASE,

60

Bates College, 1
Lewiston, Maine, December 17, 1887. /
Dear Madam :
Allow me to tender you my sympathies in this hour of your great afflic
tion, "Whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth,"
No one can mourn as you ; and yet I am safe in saying that the hearts
of all the friends of temperance and good order in our beloved State are
grief stricken by the death of Governor Bodwell, and they would gladly
say this to you were it in their power. Very truly,
Mrs. Governor Bodwell. O. B. CHENEY.
Kbenb, N. H., \ 2
December 19th, 1887. / S
Dear Mrs, Bodwell:
Permit me to express, in these few lines, my deepest sympathy and
feeling for you in the trying ordeal through which you are called to pass,
I grieve that I am unable to stand among the large circle of friends who
mourn the death of Governor Bodwell, and look upon the face of him
who had so large a place in my heart. But circumstances beyond my
control deprive me of that privilege. When I learned of your husband's
illness, I dally visited his office in N, Y, ; and being assured by hopeful
reports, I took courage in the belief that, with his strong constitution, he
would surely recover his health. So when the sad news of his death
came, it gave me a shock from which I have not recovered.
Governor Bodwell was the most unselfish of men, and he was the em
bodiment of honesty. His kindness of heart was proverbial. In him I
always found a warm and true friend ever ready to lend a helping hand,
and I feel that I have met with a loss that cannot be made up. But my
grief is nothing compared to the irreparable loss to his family, the com
munity and the State. With greatest sympathy and regard,
I am sincerely yours,
S, W, HALE.
New York, Decemtaer 17, 1887.
My Dear Mrs. Bodwell :
I know that the words of a stranger cannot be of much value in the
great affliction through which you are now passing. But on my own
account I wish to place in your hands a slight record of the warm esteem
I had for your late husband, and of my genuine sorrow for his loss.
He was a stranger to me until about one year ago, when I first met him
in this city. Since that time our acquaintance has not been intimate. But
I have seen enough of Joseph R, Bodwell to enable me to say that I have
never met a more noble, generous or true hearted man. He seemed to me
entirely incapable of any narrow or selfish act, and I know that his mind
was incapable of entertaining a thought inconsistent with the very high
est integrity, A late officer in the army, who had heavy contracts with
him during the war, told me that he was the most honorable man he had
ever encountered.
The country has few such men. Their death is a public as well as a pri
vate loss. I have no friend whose loss I could feel more deeply.
You, the companion ,of his life, who knew every secret of his heart, in
the depths of your sorrow have at least the consolation of knowing that
he lived a useful life, that he had gained the respect and affection of all
who knew him and that he probably has not left behind him one single
enemy. Cordially yours,
, „ „ , L. E, CHITTENDEN.
Mrs. Bodwell, Hallowell, Me.

61

House of Representatives, "1
Washington, D, C, December 16, 1887, /
Mrs. j, R, Bodwell, Hallowell, Me.
Dear Madam :
Permit me to express to you my profound sympathy with you in the
great grief which has overtaken you in the death of your husband.
The death of Mr, Bodwell, so great a loss to yourself, will be severely
felt by his thousands of friends, who will mourn his departure from this
life as a misfortune to themselves, our State and the country.
With sincere respect, very truly yours,
SETH L, MILLIKEN,
House of Representatives, 1
Washington, D, C, December IT, 1887, j
Mrs. Joseph R, Bodwell,
Dear Madam :
I beg to offer you the heartfelt condolence of Mrs. Boutelle and myself,
and to assure you of our sincere sympathy in the great affliction that has
befallen you.
The death of your honored husband came to us as a severe shock, as
we were led to hope by the reports that he was In a fair way to recov
ery, I am painfully aware that no words can give any balm for such a
sorrow as yours, but if anything could mitigate the pangs of such a swift
bereavement, it would be the knowledge of the respect and esteem in
which the departed was held by all who knew him, as Governor, citizen
and friend. The State shares in your grief, and the loss of a strong and
good man will be felt far beyond its limits.
Very respectfully yours,
C, A, BOUTELLE.
186 West Chippewa St.,
Buffalo, Dec. 18, 1887,
Mrs. Bodwell:
Mrs. Dee and myself learned with feelings of profound sorrow and
regret of the death of Gov, Bodwell, Since I made his acquaintance, in
the year '76, 1 have always admired him for his many noble and manly
qualities. My personal relations with him were always pleasant and agreeable.
In your hour of affliction I send you this my humble tribute, with a
prayer that the Great Comforter will aid you in bearing your great
sorrow, Mrs, Dee joins with me in sincere sympathy with yourself and family,
for the loss of a kind-hearted husband and father.
Very respectfully yours,
JOHN F, DEE,
My Dear Mrs, Bodwell:
It was with pain and grief that I learned of the death of your husband
and my friend.
It was so entirely unexpected by me that the shock was great ; what
must it be to you !
Although my acquaintance with your husband was of comparatively
recent date, yet suoh was his genial nature, that he immediately endeared
himself to all that knew him, and I look back upon the friendship of our
good Governor as one of the pleasantest of my life.

62

Though knowing well that no words can bring comfort to your stricken
heart, yet I must express my deep sympathy for you and your family in
this great affliction; ah, if words and sympathetic hearts could console
you, then you might indeed be comforted, for from thousands of hearts
and homes the truest and purest of sympathy is poured forth for you and
the deepest regrets for the untimely death of so good and noble a man.
He has left behind him an unsullied record, which is a precious legacy.
He has left a vacancy which can not easily be filled — it is a loss to our
State — what must it be in his home !
I pray God may temper your affliction and give you strength to endure
this great trial.
Assuring you of our deepest sympathy, I am
Most sincerely yours, WILLIAM ENGEL,
Bangor, December 17, 1887.

Augusta, Maine, )
December 15, 1887, 5
Mrs, Joseph R, Bodwell,
My dear Madam :
I have learned with great sorrow of the unexpected death of our Chief
Magistrate, your most estimable husband, his Excellency Governor Bod
well, As one who has long entertained towards him sentiments of highest
esteem and respect, I venture to take the liberty of expressing to you
and all the members of his bereaved family my most earnest sympathy,
I am, with great respect.
Very sincerely yours,
CHARLES W. DOHERTY,
218 Orange St., ^
New Haven, Conn,, >
Dec. 28, 1887. >
Mt Dear Mrs. Bodwell:
It Is only our nearest and dearest to whom the privilege is given of
bringing us what comfort they may in the first days of a great sorrow ;
and so I have waited a little before venturing upon any expression of my
deep sympathy for you and yours. Even now I hesitate, because I am
so much a stranger. In my visits, last summer, to my mother, Mrs, Hub
bard, I have met you a few times, only. But if I seem an intruder, let
me hope that the deep respect with which your husband inspired me,
whenever I had a word with him, may plead my excuse.
This is no common loss which has befallen the public, for Gov, Bodwell
was no common man, I met him first some years ago, when with my
sister he canvassed the question of a building for the Hallovfell Library,
I remember what I afterwards said of him to her, I have never forgotten
the cordial, honest, whole-souled man he seemed to me in that first
interview, and the chance meetings I have since enjoyed have served to
strengthen my confidence in his worth.
It is a noble and useful life that has thus suddenly ended here, but it is
not for the good man himself that I grieve. Perhaps it is as he would
have wished. Perhaps, as my own dear father, he would have chosen to
go with powers untouched by age. My sorrow is not for him. It is for
the State that has lost the guidance of that steady hand ; for my native
town, that must sorely miss her true-hearted citizen ; most of all, for the
home he loved and gladdened, I know how much must have gone from
you with him. Accept the sympathy I can poorly frame in words.
Very sincerely, VIRGINIA H. CURTIS.

Dear Mrs, Bodwell:
I bave just read of your sad bereavement and my heart aches for you
and Mrs, Paine, and my own sorrow is brought freshly to my mind, I
wish that it were in my power to say something that might be in some
measure a help to you now; but the mission of sorrow cannot be under
stood by us poor mortals while our grief is fresh, and time, only, performs
for us the chastening work that our good Father intends. Human sym
pathy was very grateful to me in my trouble, and that you have mine
now be assured. With love for yourself and Mrs, Paine,
Your sincere friend, A, L, METCALF,
141 East 16th St,, New York, Dec, 17th, 1887,

Vassalboro', Dec. 19, 1887,
Dear Mrs, Bodwell :
It is vain for me to attempt to offer consolation in this, your terrible
affliction ; but I wish to express something of the sorrow we feel at the
death of Gov, Bodwell, During the past years he, by his kindness, has
endeared himself to each member of our family. How well I remember
when, four years ago, at Indianapolis, iny own father's life hung as b.y a
thread, Mr, Bodwell stood by and helped me to care for him till mother
could come. Six months later, when our dear Will was so suddenly
taken, Mr, Bodwell came to us quickly as possible, and we felt that his
great heart was moved in sympathy for us. And now we each feel a per
sonal loss aud grief. Father and Clara were fully Intending to go to
Hallowell yesterday, but because of father's feeble condition and the
severity of the storm, they very reluctantly gave it up.
Please give kindest regards to Mrs, Paine, and say how our hearts ache
for her in her great sorrow.
With feelings of deepest sympathy, in which all here join,
I am yours truly,
ANNIE O, BURLEIGH,

Rockland, Dec, 15th, 1887,
Mrs, j, R, Bodwell,
My dear Madam :
Please accept ray sincere sympathy for you in your heavy affliction.
We all feel deeply for, and join with you in mourning the irreparable
loss which you have sustained. Expressions of sorrow and sympathy
for you are universal. Nothing more can be said on so sad an occasion
as this than to express the hope that the knowledge that every citizen of
the State deplores and keenly feels your sudden bereavement, may tend
in some slight degree to lighten your burdens and alleviate your sorrow,
I remain very sincerely yours,
C, E, LITTLEFIELD,

Norway, Me,, Dec. 15th, 1887,
Mt Dear Mrs, Bodwell :
My heartfelt sympathy goes out in your behalf at the great loss you
have sustained by the death of your kind husband, I condole with you
most sincerely on the sad event, and be assured that all who knew him
share in your sorrow at this hour.

64

A kind husband and father, a good counsellor and friend, has passed
on to enjoy the reward of a well-spent life.
Commending you to Him who doeth, all things well, I remain
Yours sincerely,
GEORGE L, BEAL.

A telegram was received from Governor Sawyer of New
Hampshire, aud Governor Ames of Massachusetts sent the
following note to Governor Marble :
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, ) '
Executive Department, [
Boston, Dec. 20, 1887. J
Mt Dear Sir :
I deeply regret that my official duties are such that I cannot attend the
obsequies of your predecessor in office, the Hon, Joseph R, Bodwell, I
shall be represented thereat by my Adjutant General, Samuel Dalton, and
by other members of my military staff. Personally I am grieved at the
death of so able, energetic, earnest and honest a man as Governor Bod
well, and officially I can say that the people of this commonwealth have
heard with sorrow that one who was of their number and who had
attained such eminence by force of worth, has at a comparatively early
time been called away from the affairs of earth in which he dealt so wisely.
Assuring you of my best wishes for your success and happiness in your
official career, I am yours sincerely,
OLIVER AMES,
Governor of Massachusetts.

Note, — On page 8, it is stated that Hon, Moses Webster died at Rock
land, It should have been at Vinalhaven, where he ever resided after he
came to Maine.

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