In Memoriam.
On April 1, we were grieved to hear of the transition of Elder Oliver Hampton, to the realm of the unseen, from White Oak, Ga., where he went last November, with Elder Joseph Slingerland and Eldress Lizzie Dowlning, to pass the winter season.
It being customary among the Shakers to lay away the remains of the departed where death takes place, the funeral service of our revered Brother, were held at White Oak, March 31st, and a memorial service was held at Union Village, April 7.
The family of Hamptons, consisting of six members, joined the Shaker fraternity at Union Village, in the year 1822, Oliver being in his sixth year. Early in life he consecrated himself to the principles of the society, and throughout his career was one in whom were committed various trusts; namely, Minister, Trustee and School Teacher; he also served upon the School Board for 38 years,
An earnest worker with mind and hands, even when he had passed his four score mark, labored to fill the home circle with the divine thought that transforms the crude into the fine, secures happiness in obeying the behests of an enlightened conscience. In his long lease of life, he witnessed many changes among the people; from living in log cabins to the palatial residence of the Center Family, raised in the year 1844; whose one million and a half bricks, with a company of boys. he burned the two years preceding.
Though not a brilliant scholar or speaker, yet he was ever foremost in promulgating, by pen and tongue, the doctrine of Shakerism, and in keeping pace with the essential religious and secular movements of the day; with which being conversant, made him an interesting conversationist. With the psalmist he could say: “In the multitude of my thoughts. Thy comforts delight my soul." His multitude of thoughts, finding expression in sermons, poems and songs, which not only gave comfort to his many friends, but cast scintillations of thought, “we know that fail things work together for good to them that love God."
Unto the arises one has dawned the glorious day he lived for, and to which he referred in the beautiful thought:
And still increasing glories
To us must soon unfold,
That eclipse the ancient stories,
The fabled age of old.
The angels are decending.
Once more to reap the world:
Bearing peace and Joy unending.
And gifts of love unfurled.
With hearts entwined with vines of respect for our honored Brother, we toil on, awaiting our time when we "shall meet the brave souls at the landing," and with them,
We'll sing the anthem of the blest,
And relate the stories of old.
Giving to our life joys and rest:
Gifts of Heavens by Christ, foretold.
His Shaker Kindred, of
Union Village, Ohio.