Vermont Journal, Windsor, Saturday, July 12, 1884 Stephen Chapman, Obituary Stephen CHAPMAN died at Fairlee, Vt., June 19, 90 years, 8 months. He was converted to a positive and rich experience of Christian faith in 1864 under the labors of the Rev. W. G. McALLISTER of the Vermont Conference. He immediately united with the Methodist Episcopal church, and continued to be a member of that body until his death, several years of the time holding an official relation. He was bereaved by the loss of his wife, Mary CHAPMAN, February 18, 1870; and again by the loss of his adopted daughter, Mrs. Mary J. MASON, Oct. 1880. he died at the residence of his son-in-law, Perley MASON, with whom he had a home during his last year. All who knew "Father CHAPMAN" unite in bearing testimony to his worth. He was faithful to his duties as a man and a Christian. No one could associated with him without being charmed by the tenderness and trustfulness of his sprit. It seemed to some who knew him best that the years which he tarried beyond the appointed limit of human life were granted to him as a season for communion with God. Often he would speak of spending the watches of the night in meditation upon the glories of his Saviour, and in praise. To him the Redeemer was vastly more than a divine person made the subject of thought; Christ was a present friend, beloved and precious. When, during the past winter, he was occasionally able to attend the weekly prayer meeting, and stood leaning upon his staff in feebleness, and told of his great joy in the salvation of Jesus, and pleading with the young to accept the same Saviour, the appeals sounded to his pastor almost like a voice from the farther shore. During the lucid moments of his last sickness, his mind steadfastly rested on the heavenly inheritance which to him was only a step beyond. May his mantle fall upon the little church from which he has departed. Transcribed by Ruth Barton -- Ruth Barton mrgjb@sover.net Dummerston, VT