Died, in Alfred, N. Y., April 8th, 1879, Dea. Nathan Lanphear, aged 87 years and 7 months. In 1815, he came from Berlin, N. Y., to Alfred, where he commenced to make him a home. After a few months he returned to Berlin, but again came to Alfred and settled with his family on the lot taken when here before. This lot he converted into a farm, and remained on it till the time of his death.
He was the youngest of a family of seven children, two sons and five daughters, one of which was our mother of blessed memory. As a citizen he was not only respected, but above reproach. By his industry and economy, he had made a comfortable home for himself and family. He was naturally a man of strong constitution, but had at several times during his life suffered from violent attacks of sickness. At the last, his system seemed to utterly break down, and after some four or five weeks of seemingly great distress, his spirit was called back to its Maker. His mind remained clear to the last.
In early life, he professed faith in Christ and united with the Seventh-day Baptist Church, of Berlin, N. Y. On coming to Alfred, he united with the 1st Seventh-day Baptist Church of this town, of which he remained a member until 1831, when with others, he was dismissed for the purpose of forming the 2d Seventh-day Baptist Church of Alfred. By this church he was called to the office of deacon, the duties of which he faithfully performed. In 1871, he, with others, united in organizing the Seventh-day Baptist Church of Andover, N. Y., of which he remained a member until his death.
In his religious life he was steadfast and earnest. On no occasion did he falter. In his intercourse with his brethren and fellow-men, he was gentle and forbearing. In his study of the Scriptures, he was careful and constant, drawing from them lessons of duty and comfort. His Testament was his daily companion. His home was cheerful and well ordered. And so, whether at home, in the church, or among his neighbors, he was faithful and true to the end. It was, then, no wonder that in his death he is mourned. "The memory of the just is blessed."
