This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: Marianne_Vol_Researcher Surnames: Fisher, Stevens, Dobie Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.fisher/7516/mb.ashx Message Board Post: The Richwood Gazette Richwood, Ohio September 26, 1889 Benjamin Stevens Fisher died suddenly at his home in Richwood, on Sept. 23, 1889. Had he lived ten days longer he would have been 81 years old. He was born in Fayette county, Pa., Oct. 4, 1808. His parents' names were Enoch and Elizabeth (Stevens) Fisher. His father, Enoch Fisher, was a soldier in the war of 1812, and died here in Richwood in August, 1865, at the advanced age of 101 years. Whe about 12 years of age Benjamin came with his parents to Ohio and settled at Mt. Vernon. At Mt. Vernon he was united in marriage to Catharine Cramer, May 14, 1829. Thus this couple have walked life's journey together for 60 years and 4 months, until death has broken the bond, leaving this widow to walk the remainder o the journey alone. Eleven children were born of this union, all of whom were raised to adult age, the youngest being now over 35, and seven of them live and are here to follow the remains of their father to the grave. "He came to Union county in May, 1836, and has been a resident here over 53 years. He settled on and cleared from the woods the farm one mile west of town since known as the Mulvaine farm, where e lived for about nine years. Selling this, he purchased the now excellent farm adjoining Richwood on the south, which also he cleared, mainly from the heavy and unbroken forest. He performed, probably, as muc hard labor, and through as many years, as any man who ever lived in this community. About 21 years ago he divided his handsome fortune in property he had accumulated among his childen, and moved into town, where he has resided until his death. It was a task for him to let go of labor and live an inactive life, and only inability to work compelled him to do so. But, because of his life long habit of strictest temperance and a system toughened by being inured to toil, he long delayed the day when death should conquer him. "But death came, as he will come to all. On Monday, Sept. 23, he was attacked with a fit of coughing, a not uncommon thing, but hemorrhage ensued, and almost without a warning to his family and friends, the brittle cord of life was snapped and his spirit had taken its flight to the eternal world. "He was the last of his father's family. His youngest brother, William, died here in June, 1888, and his only remaining sister, Mrs. Priscilla Dobie, died also here in January, 1889. His death severs another of the few remaining links that bind the present generation to the early settlers of this part of the country. "A picture recently taken will illustrate this. In the picture was Benjamin Fisher and his eldest son, and his eldest son and a great-grandson- four generations in a living group. He has had 45 grand children, 33 of whom are living, and eleven great-grandchildren. "The deceased has lived in this community for 53 years, known of almost everybody and respected by all. His accumulation of property was not by speculations of doubtful transactions of business, but by strict economy and patient toil. If others have wronged him, still he lived and died with the consciousness of having no one. He united with this church soon after settling here, and has lived more than 50 years one of its consistent members, and was one of the oldest members, his wife having joined the church about two years before him (in 1836) and Sister Hastings having joined a year preceding her (in 1835). He lived to see the last one of his children also members of the church. Few families there are where so many have been raised maturity without being broken to death; few where all the children have settled within a half hour's distance of the paternal roof; and few where none of the children have given their parents cause of special anxiety pain. "For a few years past, though deprived by the infirmities of age from attendance at the house of worship, as was his life long habit, yet he was growing in the tenderness and grace of the divine Spirit, and had felt that he was ready for an exchange of worlds when his call should come. Often at prayers in the family has he responded most earnestly to the petitions I offered, and arose feeling stronger in faith, with love increased, and with brighter hopes for the better life. "God has called his servant home, and this widow and these children and friends will expect to meet and greet him when they themselves shall be permitted to enter within the pearly gates." Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.