Page:The Granite Monthly Volume 8.djvu/55

 Hon. Marshall P. Wilder, Ph.D.

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��trious example of the men who, with only small mdebtedness to schools, have proved to the world that real men can make themselves known as such without the aid of the college, as we have abundantly learned that the col- lege can never make a man of one who has not in him the elements of noble manhood before he enters its halls."

In 1820, Mr. Wilder married MissTry- phosa Jewett, daughter of Dr. Stephen Jewett, of Rindge, a lady of great per- sonal attractions. She died on a visit to that town, July 21, 1831, leaving four children. On the twenty-ninth of August, 1833, Mr, Wilder was united to Miss Abigail, daughter of Captain David Baker, of Franklin, Massachusetts, a lady of education, accomplishments, and piety, who died of consumption, April 4, 1854, leaving five children. He was married a third time on the •eighth of September, 1855, to her sis- ter, Miss Julia Baker, who was admira- bly qualified to console him and make his dwelling cheerful, and who has two sons, both living. No man has been more blessed in domestic life. We Imow not where there would be a more pleasing picture of peace and content- ment exhibited than is found in this happy family. In all his pursuits and avocations, Mr. Wilder seems to have realized and practised that grand prin- ciple, which has such a bearing and influence on the whole course of life — the philosophy of habit, a power almost omnipotent for good or evil. His lei- sure hours he devotes to his pen, which already has filled several large volumes with descriptions and delineations of fruits and flowers, proved under his own inspection, and other matters pertaining to his various relations in life.

Colonel Wilder has shown us by his

��life what an individual may accomplish by industry, perseverance, and the con- centration of the intellectual powers on grand objects. Without these, no talent, no mere good fortune could have placed him in the high position he has at- tained as a pubUc benefactor. He has been pre-eminent in the establish- ment and development of institutions. Few gentlemen have been called upon so often, and upon such various occa- sions, to take the chair at public meet- ings or preside over constituted socie- ties. Few have acquitted themselves so happily, whether dignity of pres- ence, amenity of address, fluency of speech, or dispatch of business, be taken into consideration. As a presid- ing ofiicer he seems "to the manner born." His personal influence has been able to magnetize a half-dying body into new and active life. This strong personal characteristic is espe- cially remarked among his friends. No one can approach him in doubt, in despondency, or in embarrassment, and leave him without a higher hope, a stronger courage, and a manlier faith in himself. The energy which has impelled him to labor still exists.

Mr. Wilder is now president of the New England Historic Genealogical Society, the American Pomological Society, and the Massachusetts Agri- cultural Club. He is senior trustee of the Massachusetts Agricultural College, and senior member of the State Board of Agriculture, and of the executive committee of the Massachusetts Horti- cultural Society. He is senior director in the Massachusetts Institute of Tech- nology, the Hamilton National Bank, the New England Mutual Life Insur- ance Company, and the Home Savings Bank. He is an honorary member t-f the Royal Historical Society of Gre;-t

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