Page:The Granite Monthly Volume 6.djvu/335

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KIMBALL UNION ACADEMY. 301

nary at Bangor, Me., in 1824; ordained pastor of the church in New Sharon, Me., in 1826; in Industry in 1827; in North Augusta in 1832; Williamsburg, Me., 1833; at Sebec in 1835; Home Missionary in 1837; pastor of the church in New Sharon in 1839; at Millport, N. Y. in 1843; at Hardwick, Vt., in 1844; acting pastor at Burke in 1858; and Barnet, Vt., in 1860 to 1866; without charge in Hardwick, Vt., until he died in 1876. Under Mr. Underwood's labors remarkable temperance reforms occurred, followed by revivals of religion. He preached in many places, and often with great results. Few men have labored more, and have been more useful. He was for several years in the legislature of Vermont.

Joseph R. Field, from Northfield, Mass., entered the school in 1817; entered at Dartmouth in 1818; graduated in 1822. Mr. Field was a young man of much excellence of character, and of retiring habits. As a scholar he made himself master of every study in the college course, but was most distinguished in mathematics. He suffered from ill health, occasioned mainly, as he learned and admitted when it was too late, as has been the case with many others, by the use of tobacco. He commenced the work of the ministry, was ordained in 1827, preached in Dummerston, Vt., Milton, and Norfolk, N. Y., and in his native town; but died in August, 1828. The memory of the just is blessed.

Aaron Hardy, a native of Lempster, entered Dartmouth College from Meriden in 1818; graduated in 1822, and at Andover in 1825; a man of exemplary christian character and of distinguished scholarship. He commenced his labors as teacher in South Carolina, and became president of the college in Edingsville; but he died early, leaving many friends to lament his loss.

Charles Walker, a native of Rindge, entered the school in Meriden in 1817; at Dartmouth College in 1819; graduated at Andover in 1826; was ordained pastor of the church in New Ipswich in 1827; was an humble, conscientious young man. His ministry here was of great importance. It was at a time when a merciful God was shedding rich blessings upon his churches. He labored abundantly, and during the eight years and a half of his pastorate received to his church, on an average, more than twenty persons each year, making in all 173. But in the midst of such scenes of interest it is painful to know that discord and contention prevailed in the church and community, which so affected Mr. Walker that he sought relief by a removal from his responsibilities.

Of him the former Judge Farrar gave a high commendation, and said that but for his extreme sensitiveness he need not have left; that the people generally retained their attachment for him.

James T. McEwen, a native of Hartford, Conn., but a merchant in Claremont, with the ministry in view, at 23 years of age, left his business and entered the school in 1817 — a man of sound mind and business habits.

In the course of his studies in the academy, college and seminary, his services were called for as a business man. He was successful in his studies and was a man universally respected.

He was settled in the ministry in Bridport, Vt., in 1827; in Tops- field, Mass., in 1830; in Rye, N. H., in 1841; in West Brattleboro', Vt., in 1846. He was without a pastoral charge until he died in 1850 — a man of great worth, but in the structure of his mind, and in the habits of his life, not well adapted to the work of the ministry. If it be said he mistook his profession, we may wait the decision of another day. A man of his weight of character must have had an influence wheresoever he was known. It may ultimately appear that his life turned to as much account as if he had continued his mercantile business and become a man of wealth.

John M. Putnam, from Worcester, Mass., entered the school in 1815;