William J. JAMES
Age: 1
Date of Decease: 12mo. 17 1862
Centre, O.
Son of Jonathan and Mary J. JAMES.



Jesse JAY
Age: 20
Date of Decease: 2mo. 13 1862
Hamilton Co., Ind.
During his last illness he said, "I see nothing in my way; I long to go to my heavenly home; although I shall have to pass through the valley and shadow of death, yet beyond all is bright and shining. O, how lovely!" After taking an affectionate leave of those around him he quietly passed away.



Rhoda Elizabeth JAY
Age: 7
Date of Decease: 1mo. 24 1862
Greenfield, Ind.
Daughter of Allen and Martha A. JAY.
This dear child was of a cheerful disposition, and some of her sweet expressions have led her friends to believe that her youthful mind had felt the gentle touches of divine love. A few days before her departure, whilst in health, she told her mother that she had asked God to enable her to love all her friends; and then added, "Mother, I love everybody, it is wrong not to love everybody."



Hannah JENKINS
Age: 72
Date of Decease: 4mo. 24 1862
Hudson, N.Y.
Wife of John W. JENKINS.
At the age of fourteen she became a member of Friends society by the request of her parents; and through all the trials of life she remained firm in that faith- feeling that the greatest treasure we can receive, both for this life and the life everlasting, is an unwavering trust in the great gift of God, which is "Eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." She was constant in her attendance at meeting arranging all her temporal duties that they might not interfere with her duty to her Heavenly Father. In the first month of 1849, she was called to part with a tenderly loved daughter, who died of consumption after an illness of several months; and on the 3d of seventh mo. 1850, a beloved son was buried in California. Even then the heart-stricken mother was enabled to say to the sorrowing family, "It is the Lord, let Him do what seemeth to Him good." Much of the time during the last two years of her life, she was confined to her room with a painful disease. These were hours which can never pass from memory of her children. Hours in which they were taught by her patience in suffering and by her cheerful faith, that there is a reality in the Christian's hope- a strength which is able even to take the sting from death.
For several months before her death she seemed to feel sure that her life was near the close, and made every arrangement, -often speaking of her father and mother, and children, that were gone before, saying, "I shall soon be with them; and in a little while we shall all be there, where there are no more tears, and where we shall no longer say, I am sick."
During the winter previous to her death, her eyes being weak, she could read but little, and much enjoyed hearing Friends' books. The last read was "The Memoir of Stephen Grellet." It was nearly finished; but the Sixth day evening before her decease, she wished to hear the Bible read instead, saying: "Read the sermon on the mount, and then the fourteenth chapter of John." When it was finished she folded her hands and closed her eyes, apparently in prayer. Those around sat in silence, looking at her calm pale face, as she sat lost, as it seemed, to everything around her, looking into the New Jerusalem, even before the gates were opened to her.
On First day morning she attended Meeting as usual, but was taken ill with pleurisy before she reached home, and died the next Fifth day evening. She was not thought to be dangerously ill until a few hours before her close, and then her mind was wandering, and she spoke with difficulty. Her heart seemed filled with love. She looked at the different members of the family, as they stood around her bed; and mentioning the names of absent son and daughter, said, "If they were only here how happy we should be." After a short silence she said, "He is very merciful, I have so little pain; very merciful." And again: "Don't put off the day of salvation Read the Bible; read it all, from Genesis to Revelation."
The everlasting Arms seemed to be around her, and without fear she passed into life eternal

"Oh, change! oh, wondrous change!
Burst are the prison bars,
This moment; -there -so low,
So agonized -and now
Beyond the stars."



Mark JENNESS
Age: 46
Date of Decease: 4mo. 1 1862
Burlington, N.J.
He was, from an early age, firmly attached to the Christian principles of Friends, and a diligent attender of meetings for divine worship, when his health would permit; and he often gave this evidence of allegiance at the cost of much physical suffering. He contemplated the approach of death with calmness and resignation, being favored with steadfast faith and hope, which were based upon the mercy of God, in Christ Jesus our Lord.



Ann JESSUP
Age: 78
Date of Decease: 12mo. 20 1862
Dover, Ind.
Widow of Jesse JESSUP.
She was not educated in our religious Society; but when advanced to middle life, with a family of children around her, she became increasingly concerned, not only for herself, but for her beloved offspring, and after much conflict of mind, she believed it was her duty to join the Society of Friends. She entertained an humble opinion of her own religious attainments, and, as she often said, placed her hopes of salvation entirely on the mercy of God through our Lord Jesus Christ, and died "rejoicing in the prospect of exchanging a bed of suffering for one of rest in the kingdom of her Lord and Saviour."



Ellen U. JESSUP
Age: 5
Date of Decease: 9mo. 15 1862
Richland, Ind.



Ann JOHNSON
Age: 16
Date of Decease: 11mo. 12 1862
West Union, Ind.
Daughter of Jesse B. and Mary Ann JOHNSON.



Charles E. JOHNSON
Age: 3
Date of Decease: 9mo. 18 1862
Hesper, Iowa.
Son of Elijah and Louisa S. JOHNSON.



Demcey JOHNSON
Age: 91
Date of Decease: 11mo. 26 1862
Marlboro', Stark Co., O.
An Elder.
In his early days he was situated ten miles from Meeting, yet he was a regular attender, and remained so as long as health of body would permit. He had been in feeble health for some time, and though no apparent change was seen, he told one of his children on Seventh day previous to his death, that he felt he was going to leave them, and that he believed he had an evidence that he was going to a new home, a house not made with hands, eteranl in the heavens. He spoke of the Saviour's love to his humble dependent ones, and that his confidence was in Him.



Jane JOHNSON
Age: 86
Date of Decease: 11mo. 7 1862
Philadelphia.
An Elder. Widow of Benjamin JOHNSON.
Her parents were consistent members of the Society of Friends, and concerned to bring up their children in strict observance of its testimonies. During her childhood the North Meeting was blessed with the ministry of Thomas SCATTERGOOD and several others of kindred spirit. The public labors and company of these devoted servants early made a deep impression on her mind. This was often recurred to in after life with expressions of thankfulness, that she had been thus drawn to choose the paths of religion and avoid vanities that leave a sting behind them. The awful visitation of yellow fever in 1793, which found many victims in the district where she resided, some of them near relatives and dear friends, was often spoken of as having deepened her religious impressions. But it is much regretted that no written memoranda of her feelings at this period are to be found. When very young her sympathies were awakened for the poor and ignorant with desires to help them. She used to gather the little children of a neighboring court under a great willow tree in her father's yard, where, on seats formed by boards supported on bricks, she arranged her pupils. A few years later she united with some young friends of congenial feelings, in founding the Aimwell School, for poor girls, which, for some time, they taught in rotation, until the increase of their funds enabled them to employ teachers. Deep interest in schools, teachers, and all connected with the course of education, was a strongly marked trait in her character. Long a member of the Westtown School Committee, her attention was given with heartfelt desire to promote the welfare of every part of the institution, visiting kitchen and laundry with pleasant words of cheer for those who faithfully performed the duties of the lowliest station as well as the highest.
One who long and faithfully labored there as teacher and governor said it was her encouraging language that induced him to persevere, when ready to give out at the very commencement of his efforts. The influence of her cheerful spirit was felt throughout the place- but by none more than the children, when feeling their loneliness when first separated from the endearments of home. These she would gather around her, not to encourage the morbid feeling, but to enliven and stimulate by the expression of kindly interest. Those far from home she would often cheer by special attention, or invite to spend their vacation at her house, where the kindest hospitality ever presided.
In the year 1799 she married Benjamin JOHNSON, an estimable Friend who had recently returned from a visit to England and some parts of France and Germany, as the companion of that eminent minister of the Gospel, William SAVERY. During her married life she had mostly a numerous household, including several apprentices, towards whom the Christian care of herself and her husband was exemplary, and in several instances signally blessed.
In 1822 her beloved husband was removed from her by death under circumstances of peculiar trial. In the hope of improving his health they had passed the winter in Richmond, Virginia. Returning in the early spring on account of his anxious desire to be once more at home, his strength failed by the way. In a little inn at Havre de Grace, Md., he breathed his last, with no friend or acquaintance near save his sorrowing wife and a colored man who attended them. In this painful trial she was not forsaken by her Heavenly Father; and under many other deep afflictions, which her lot during forty years of widowhood, she was mercifully supported. Her eldest son and two daughters, all of them children of unusual promise and excellence of character, were early removed by death. These and other close trials and bereavements seem to have led her to place her trust more fully in Him who has promised to care for the widow. She had abundant cause to testify of His faithfulness, and often did she give thanks that this faith had been her refuge in time of trouble.
When near the close of he pilgrimage she feelingly said, "Goodness and Mercy have followed me all the days of my life." Having from a child loved the Holy Scriptures she was diligent in reading them both in private and with her assembled family, which was her practice each morning as long as able to leave her chamber. Her manner on these occasions was very impressive, especially during the latter years of her life. Often did she exhort her children and others to faithfulness in this duty, and charge them to teach their children in early life the blessed truths of the gospel. She was much attached to the society of which she was a member; a constant attender of its meetings, whenever health permitted, to the latest period of her life, willing to spend and be spent in its service. Her house was always open to her friends, whom she received with a warm welcome, often saying, with a smile, "it was a little inn by the wayside." To the young it was always a place of pleasant resort, making them almost forget the difference in age. She had a peculiar qualification for entering into feeling with the afflicted, and with those who were cast down and felt as though they had none to help them, while her firmness in supporting those who had to endure severe bodily suffering was equal to her tenderness. For many years she filled with great faithfulness the station of an overseer of the Western District Monthly Meeting, and subsequently that of an elder. Friends in the ministry claimed a large share of her sympathy and interest. She travelled as companion with Hannah BACKHOUSE and Elizabeth ROBSON, and frequently with ministers of her own Monthly Meeting. In this way she attended nearly all the Yearly Meetings in the United States, and several times visited meetings composing of Philadelphia Yearly Meetings. Even to extreme old age she was faithfully engaged in visiting the sick and suffering. When at length confined to her bed, and life was slowly ebbing, her exhortations were fervent and frequent to her children and visitors, and to those engaged in the ministry to be faithful in preaching the gospel. She was also often filled with praise to Him, whom she had long endeavored to serve. To a minister with whom he had often travelled, and to whom she had for many years been closely united in religious exercise, and in almost daily works of Christian charity, she uttered these dying words: "Preach the gospel, and truth as it is in Jesus, proclaim it to the people, tell them of the Crucified One. He was nailed to the Cross for their sins and the sins of all mankind. Tell them their sins must go beforehand to Judgement or follow after. He will give thee words. He will give thee utterance and springs of living water. Praise Him. Praise Him for ever more Glory, glory be the Lord God, and to the Lamb." These were her last connected words. She soon after quietly breathed her last.

"Safe on the golden sands
Which floor the beach of Paradise, while we,
With struggling spirits, and uplifted hands,
Are out at sea.

A kind maternal face,
An aged form, that every Sabbath day
We watched to see in its accustomed place,
Are gone away.

But not forgot, the cord
That bound the old and young, was childhood's tie,
Fastened by warm caress and gentle word,

In thy old gallery seat,
Dear Pastor of the flock, we see thee still!
Thy step, thy voice, the grasp we loved to meet,
Our memories fill.

And all thy tender care
Over the wandering ones, thy spirit meek;
Thy large compassion ever first to spare
The blind, the weak.

We miss thy loving heart,
That found its vent in kind words, and good deeds;
Planned in those Heavenly places, where apart,
The Christian feeds.

We miss thy noiseless worth
That asked no notice, and we softly lay
Its unction to our hearts, while to earth,
Sadly we say.

Oh! when the heart lies still;
When the eye closes, and the lip is cold;
When the outgoings of an obedient will,
Its round have told;

The memory then, how sweet!
That from the living lips but kindness fell,
And words of love, learned at the Saviour's feet, Or Sychar's well."



Jesse B. JOHNSON
Age: 55
Date of Decease: 9mo. 12 1862



Jonathan JOHNSON
Age:
Date of Decease: 9mo. 18 1862
Cherry Grove, Ind. An Elder.
In early life he yielded obedience to the visitations and impressions of Divine love. In allusion to his conversion, he said in after life; "It came not by or through the instrumentality of man; the manifestations of the Spirit and love of God so impressed me in my twelfth and thirteenth years, that I resolved to seek the Kingdom of Heaven; and the following summer, being at work in the field, my sins were set in order before me, and feeling them to be very great, it seemed more then I could live under. In great distress and agony of mind, I knelt down and besought the Lord in prayer, who in mercy heard my cry; after which, for a time my peace flowed as a river."
When quite young he was remarkable for quietness of manner and deportment; and his decision and integrity were such that he was very seldom known to join with those who associate together for levity; but it appears from memoranda which he left, that he became very watchful and prayerful. In one of these he writes, "I have, through grace, and the help of the Holy Spirit, endeavored to subdue my earthly, selfish nature to the will of my Heavenly Father."
By giving heed to the admonitions of Truth in the soul, he continued to grow in grace, and in the saving knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and his conduct and conversation answering thereto, he was appointed to the station of an Elder in the twenty-sixth year of his age. This place in the Church he filled to the entire satisfaction of Friends. It might be truly said he was an Elder worthy of double honor, being a father and counsellor in Israel.
He had a great regard for the Holy Scriptures, believing they are able to make wise unto salvation, through faith in Christ Jesus, and therefore, he often read and dwelt on their contents, and earnestly recommended others to do so. He encouraged Friends and others to sustain Scripture Schools, and that a portion of the Holy Scriptures should be read daily in families in a collective capacity; from which practice he says, "I have often been comforted and instructed, and the Good Master has many times solemnized our minds into the place of waiting where true and effectual prayer is wont to be made."
He valued very highly the privilege of meeting with his Friends for Divine worship- a duty which he diligently attended to, frequently encouraging his Friends to like service, and to provide suitably for their families to attend.
Some years before his last illness he made the following record: "It has appeared to me, for some time past, that my pilgrimage in this world is drawing to a close; and the language to my heart has been, while in my fields at work, as well as at other times (indeed it has been almost the clothing of my spirit), 'set thy house in order, for thy time is drawing to a close.' My soul is often drawn forth in prayer to my God, whose mercy and truth have followed me all the days of my life, that He would be pleased in mercy to give me clearly to see the state and condition that I am in; for I have often felt concerned for fear the enemy of all good, in his appearing as an angel of light, would deceive me, and so cheat me out of my eternal happiness. The language often came before me, 'Teach me, O Lord, and if there be iniquity in me do thou it away; for the heart of man is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked- who can know it.'
"There is one that knoweth, not only my heart, but the hearts of all men, and the day is near when I shall have to stand before the judgement-seat of Christ, where I cannot have one vestige of my own righteousness to cover me; but I shall have to appear just as I am. I greatly desire that I may be as the clay in the had of the potter, to lay down my own selfish will, suffer the old man and his deeds to be cast out, and the new man Christ Jesus to come in and take up his abode within and rule and reign there."
Although he entertained the most humble views of his own worth or attainments, yet in transacting the affairs of the Church, his judgement was sound and clear. Punctuality was a conspicuous trait in his character, being careful to comply with all his contracts and engagements timely; his daily walk evincing the spirit of genuine Christianity. He was a decided friend of education, often encouraging his brethren to be more liberal in educating their children, and that all parents should endeavor to instil into the minds of their offspring an interest in the Saviour's love, and the peaceable fruits of His kingdom.
He was truly liberal with his worldly goods, spending much in travelling in Gospel service, and the destitute were objects of his care and sympathy; indeed, he counted it a great privilege to have the opportunity and ability to contribute to the requirements of the Church, and would sometimes acknowledge the temporal blessings, with which he was favored, were at times showered upon him in accordance in some measure with the freedom and liberality, which he had been concerned to minister of his substance to those in need.
Towards the close of the Twelfth month, 1861, he was seized with a violent hæmorrhage of the lungs, which soon reduced him very low; yet he was perfectly resigned to his condition, and encouraged his family and the Friends who visited him to faithfulness whilst in health to seeking a preparation to meet their God. Regarding himself, he said, "I have been led to examine myself very closely, and I do not see anything in my way. Oh! how humiliating the thought- Christ died for me. Poor and unworthy as I am, it is by his love in my soul that I have experienced this true peace, which fills my heart to overflowing towards all mankind. It is not of myself to have attained to this, but as I have given heed to the spirit of Christ, who has condescended to be near me."
With respect to his family, he said, "I rejoice that my children and grand-children are all members of the Society of Friends, but it would gladden my heart still more to know that they were coming up in their allotted places, endeavoring to follow Christ. The Lord will bless those who with singleness of heart seek to follow Him. If the little intimations in the secret of the soul were attended to, there could be more given, and the hearts of such would be enlarged. Yea, He would lengthen their cords and strengthen their stakes, and they would go on in His cause, conquering and to conquer, until they come up even to perfection."
He remarked to a minister of the gospel who called to see him, "I have craved that the Lord would bless thy labors, for I believe thou mayst be instrumental in His hands, in much good; therefore follow thy dear Master faithfully withersoever He may be pleased to lead thee. We have labored together in the church militant, and my heart is enlarged in the love of Christ towards thee; I know not how soon I may be called away, the Lord's will be done."
He often expressed his earnest concern that the ministry in our Society might be kept pure, in the simplicity, in the life, and in the power of truth- clear of the wisdom of man. A glass of water being offered him, he said, "How pure; the Creator does not offer this through poisonous conduits, thereby bringing death. How fitly this applies to ministers- the word of life should be conveyed to us in its purity, even as the fountain is pure. Oh! then how spotless should the minister be through whom the pure wine of the Kingdom flows from the great Minister o ministers. Thus would pure religion, flowing freely from the love of God in the soul, be experienced as in the lays of the Apostles and primative believers."
At one time, being asked how he was, he replied: "All is peace, all is peace. It is a great blessing to rest quiet and easy in body, but unspeakably more so to feel the love of God in my soul to overflowing- come life, come death, the Lord's will be done." On another occasion he said: "I have had a good opportunity to look back on my past life. I have lived a moral life, never used a profane word, never designedly wronged any one, but all this will not make a Christian."
"As this, my tabernacle, is fast wasting away, and having had a pleasant home here for several years, I have looked beyond those shores to see if there is a home for me in Heaven; and examining very closely, I cannot see anything to hinder me from the enjoyment of a mansion in that better world.
"Oh! what a favor to feel that we have a merciful Father, for it is all of this mercy that I enjoy this sweet peace."
An aged friend calling to visit him, he exclaimed: "I did not think of seeing thee here, but I have remembered the friendship that has existed, and the love that has bound us together. Oh! the love that has flowed from my heart to thee, not only to thee, but to all mankind the world over. If we were all bound together in this bundle of love, it would waft us on to the shores of never-ending bliss and glory.
"I have not at all times done what I believe was required, but I have sincerely desired and fervently prayed to the Lord that these omissions might be forgiven, and I feel a hope, yes, a happy hope, they are remembered no more- that hope I would not give for a world, nor for ten thousand worlds, no-no. Farewell, I have nothing but peace; dwell in peace, and love, and in the Holy Ghost; as Friends abide here they will be preserved."



Martha Morris JOHNSON
Age: 84
Date of Decease: 8mo. 6 1862
Philadelphia.



Zeruah JOHNSON
Age: 25
Date of Decease: 6mo. 28 1862
West Union, Ind.



Elma R. JONES
Age: 1
Date of Decease: 12mo. 31 1861
Windham, Me.
Daughter of Isaiah and Emily JONES.



Hannah A. JONES
Age: 32
Date of Decease: 3mo. 29 1862
Frankford, Pa.
Wife of Josiah F. JONES.



Rebecca JONES
Age: 73
Date of Decease: 1mo. 13 1862
Richland, Iowa.
Elder.
She removed with her parents from North Carolina to East Tennessee, when she endured the privations incident to new countries. Though she had a numerous family, she was careful not to neglect the "one thing needful," and early became a useful member of Society.
As an elder she was a nursing mother to those engaged in the ministry. She was a patient sufferer for six years, and when almost as helpless as an infant, she cheerfully gave up her home, and removed with her children, out of a land of slavery, to the state of Iowa.



Tabitha JONES
Age: 65
Date of Decease: 4mo. 28 1862
West Elkton, Preble Co., O.
An Elder. Widow of William JONES.
She manifested much concern for the welfare of the Society of Friends, and was useful in meetings for discipline.
She evinced through many years of suffering that her faith and trust were fixed on her Saviour, and was supported in her last illness by an assurance that through the mercies of God in Christ Jesus all would be peace.





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