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- James Walker Hoard was born in West Almond, N. Y., March 2, 1843, the youngest of four children born to James C. and Eliza Walker Hoard. Only one brother now survives.
Mr. Hoard's life since he was ten years old has been identified with Alfred. Fifteen years ago he bought an interest in the livery business, which continued to bear his name until last September. January 1, 1868, he was united in marriage to Harriet Emma Sisson. Their happy love story has continued thirty-eight years. They planned together the house which has been their home for nineteen years and whose hospitality many remember gratefully.
Of their three children, the youngest died in infancy. The eldest, Maude, died in the rich promise of early womanhood, having been the youngest graduate of Alfred University up till that time, and a successful teacher at Alfred and Salem. The only surviving child, Fred, has, with his wife, tenderly cared for the father and mother these past months.
Mr. Hoard enlisted in Company I, 189th Regiment, on September 9, 1864, and served throughout the final campaign under Grant, "On to Richmond," and shared in the rejoicing of the boys in blue at the front when Lee's surrender practically ended the war. It was in the army that he contracted the throat trouble which affected him since and which merged finally into the tuberculosis which ended his life. Strength has gradually failed him until he passed peacefully into his long sleep on the morning of May 29, the day preceding the annually recurring memorial services for the soldier dead. The carriages conveying the Grand Army Post and Relief Corps past his home that day had their patriotic bunting touched with black. The streamer of crape on the door answered back by being twined with flowers and bearing over all the rest two flags like those he followed on many a weary march. He was not demonstrative or given to words, but he was always ready to do his part of any service required. This grave and silent man was widely known as one who was a friend of all, especially of those who were in need. He loved children and was a favorite with them. With faith like that of a little child, he rested himself in God's hands. He knew what it was like to be a father, and he could look up and understand something of what it meant to say: "Our Father which art in heaven."
The service at the home, May 31, was deeply heartfelt, both Pastor Randolph and former Pastor President Davis, who assisted, having made their home here in the opening days of their service with the church. Pastor Randolph?s text was I Cor. 13: 13 b., "But the greatest of these is love." L. C. R.
(The Sabbath Recorder, Vol 62, No 26, p 413, June 25, 1906)
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