MR. ROBERT WILLIAM JONES, FAIR HAVEN, RUTLAND, VERMONT.
The death of one of the Vermongt Quarry Regions' most well-known Welshmen.
After suffering for some months because of the cancer in his bowels, the true man, the faithful friend and the quiet, honest and kind neighbour R. W. Jones of near Fair Haven departed from this life May 25th 1902. He was born in Llanllyfni, Caernarfonshire, North Wales in February 1837. He was brought up in Talysarn. The advantages of education were very scarce in the neighbourhood when he was young. Through effort and persistence he learnt to write and do arithmetic quite well; and after coming to America he mastered the English language. The only opportunity he had to gather information was at the Sunday School, at which he was the best in the area without a doubt.He emigrated to America in 1865, when he was 28 years od age, settling in Fair Haven, Vermont. He stayed in many places, such as Salem, New York, California, Canada, where he married for the first time, a marriage that was short lived. He returned to Fair Haven and bought a cottage close to the village, where he resided right up to his death. He built a house and other buildings onto it. He worked hard at all times to cultivate the land. He opened quarries on Mr. Spaulding's land, close to his house, and worked them for 35 years. R. E. Lloyd, Esq. was a partner of his for 30 years.
Exceptional characteristics that belonged to R. W. Jones were his honesty, industry, frugality, determination and quiet. He was totally trustworthy. He never took advantage of circumstances to do injustice. Owing to his healthy and sturdy constitution it was advantageous to his determined and devoted inclination to make good use of his energy to labour ceaselessly and enduringly. He used his earnings to good purpose, without wasting them on the one hand nor keeping tham to fester away on the other. Through his industry and his frugality he ensured a comfortable home. If he had been given health here, his intention was to give up his work commitments, and to live off the fruits of his labour for the rest of his life. Without doubt he was ready to say like Job, "I will die in my nest."
He was not boastful nor loud with his neighbours. Mr. Spaulding at his funeral said that he had lived close to him for 36 years, and had dealt commercially with him all that time, and found him to be true and honest in all things. He never once indulged and protected his children when complaints came about them, he told them off like a father. The same characteristic was seen in him as an owner and governor of quarries. He would never row with his workers, nor swear and curse at them to create a dispute, riot and departure occurred. His workers were fond of him, devoted, faithful and remained in his service, and he respected them according to the degrees of their skills and accuracy.
R. W. Jones had an excellently virtuous character. Though he was never a chapel member to his last illness, his words and life were a medium that claimed a prominent membership. He severely censured all the age's corrupt ways like swearing and cursing, getting drunk and every waste. It was a shame he hid his talent in tranquility. He was for many years industrious and faithful with the excellent matters of religion; and a useful teacher at the Sunday School. Perhaps the foolishness of prominent chapel officials and members caused the disenchantment in him. [Sounds like he had not officially become a chapel member because of some reason and he didn't allow himself to be brought into some petty squabble that we Welsh seem to excel at.] Let church leaders beware lest they "cast out the lame out of the way."
Men like R. W. Jones are of value to society. He was married to his fourth wife, and he had eight children, four sons and four daughters, all of whom are alive; five of whom are married. We wish it to be known that from experiance the Lord is Father to orphans and a Judge to the window, especially so to the three youngest and the widow. He has two brothers in Wales, Morgan in Llanllyfni and John in Penygroes. North Wales. R. W. Jones was a good reciever, reader and payer of "Y Drych" for 28 to 30 years.
The Wednesday following his death his body was escorted to Fair Haven Cemetery by a very large crowd. The size of the crowd, as well as the multitude and value of the roses placed on his coffin, clearly showed how deep were the love and feelings of the locals. Many songs were sung in Welsh, and one in English by many people of Fair Haven. It was officiated by the Revs. R. C. Penny (Bap), J. W. Morris (Cal. Meth.), D. L. Williams (Con) and Mr. Spaulding. It is wished that the papers od Wales record the event.