John Lamborn (271). Born in Chester county, Pa., Third month 8th, 1811. He had a birthright membership in the Society of Friends (Orthodox), was a farmer by occupation, and for many years owned and lived upon his farm in New Garden township, Chester county, Pa. He is possessed of a strong mind, is honest and upright in all his dealings. It is said of him, "John Lamborn would go farther to pay a bill than to collect one." At present he and his second wife are living at New Garden, Chester county, Pa. Hobson Lamborn (272). Born in Chester county, Pa., Eleventh month 19th, 1813. He was a birthright member of the Religious Society of Friends, and a fervent believer in its principles, which he faithfully carried into practice during life. Was of a quiet and unassuming disposition, thereby winning the friendship and confidence of all who knew him. He was a tailor by trade, and worked several years at the business, making a specialty of Friends' "plain clothing." He was a good example of a Friend, observing through life "plainness of speech, deportment and apparel.” After marriage, he purchased a farm adjoining his father's in New Garden township, Chester county, and resided there until after the death of his wife in 1863, when he disposed of his farm, and removed to the state of New York, living with his brother Thomas. He afterwards lived with his sister Hannah Pyle in the state of Delaware. Towards the latter part of his life he rented a house near Avondale, Chester county, Pa., making his home there until his death, his daughter keeping house for him. During the fall of 1876 he visited his brother's family in New York state, accompanied by his daughter. After being there three days he died suddenly in the midst of his brother's family, of heart disease, apparently as well as usual until within about twenty minutes of his close. After enjoying the evening with his relatives, about eight o'clock he began to feel oppressed, and went to the door a moment for fresh air, but soon returned to the sofa, where he quietly passed away to the mansions of eternal rest and peace. He often expressed his belief that he would not live long, and his friends have the consoling hope that his spiritual house was set in order, as also were his temporal affairs. Obituary of Mahlon Chambers (273). "Died on Seventh-day morning, Sixth month 2d, 1849, Mahlon Chambers, a member of the New Garden Monthly Meeting, Chester county, Pa., in the 36th year of his age. He was much concerned for the prosperity of our religious society, as well as for the welfare of his own soul; and having wrestled for the blessing, even until the breaking of the day,' he has, we trust, received that prize which all may obtain who run with patience the race which is set before them, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of their faith for that counsel and strength which can alone enable them to hold out to the end in well doing. "He attended our late Yearly Meeting to the satisfaction of his own mind, and soon after his return was rendered by disease incapable of attending to business. Although the closing period of life was one of great suffering, yet his friends are permitted to feel a consoling assurance, that their loss is his eternal gain." Thomas Lamborn (274). Born in New Garden, Chester county, Pa., Second month 14th, 1821. His parents were Friends, and he was raised a member of the Orthodox Society of Friends, and became a minister. He had a good education, a wellbalanced mind, and a clear understanding. On Twelfth month 16th, 1846, he married Mary Hayes, an estimable young woman, who proved herself a good wife and mother; and for several years they lived in New Garden, on the farm which had belonged to his father and grandfather before him. In 1860 he removed with his family to Scipio, New York, where he purchased a farm and lived for years. He felt it his place as a minister to uphold the spirituality of the gospel ; his ideas of religion not being confined to the narrow limits of the majority, but extended charity and fellowship to all branches of the Christian church; hence he did not hesitate to express himself thus, in assemblies of the people. But as time wore on, Friends began to be dissatisfied, and endeavored to silence him, and he finally was displaced by the Orthodox branch as "being out of unity," he, with a few sympathizers, meeting for worship apart from all others. In 1868 he purchased a farm in Woodson county, Kansas, and emigrated with his family thereto; and at the present time (1891) is residing on his farm, near Yates Center, much isolated from society, no other Friends being in the immediate neighborhood; but feels free to speak when he feels it right to do so, as the way opens. He spent considerable time at Westtown Boarding School, and one year (1839) as one of the assistant teachers. In the early part of that year, while at school at Enoch Lewis's farm (adjoining that of his father) he calculated and projected several eclipses, some for years ahead, being quite interested then in astronomy; and also a transit of Venus for the year 1882, which he was favored to live and witness, from Yates Center, on the 6th of December, almost precisely according to time calculated, with allowance for difference of longitude from Philadelphia; the painted projection which he had kept until his death, representing it exactly as if it were made from observations at the time; and he has mentioned as matter of curiosity and coincidence-not at all being superstitious-that though clear and warm at the time of the transit, almost immediately after it was over the wind changed around to the north-west, and blew as a hurricane or blizzard, the thermometer falling to below zero. All through his long and useful life he has had considerable energy and perseverance, although he was generally of delicate health, yet of somewhat tenacious constitution. He had a gentle heart, conscientious, honest and truthful, ever ready to help his fellow-men, and believed that "God is no respecter of persons." While slavery existed, his voice, pen and influence were strongly exerted against it. Earnestly advocating peace and the prohibition of the manufacture and use of all intoxicating beverages were his special concern through most of his life. A very striking characteristic was his heartfelt sympathy for those in affliction, whether in human beings or the lower order of animals. His public ministry was actuated by love to God and goodwill to men. Ezer Lamborn (275). Was born in Chester county, Pa., August 27th, 1807. In his infancy his parents removed to Wilmington, Del., where he received his education at the Friends' School. He mastered every study with a view to teaching. In 1840 he went to Lancaster county, and engaged in teaching elocution. He did not seek pupils; but the pupils soughthim. Several of the first families in that county engaged him as private tutor. Was very methodical, a strict disciplinarian, but uniformly kind withal. He loved and graced his chosen profession. Was fond of poetry, and the limit of his memory could scarcely be fathomed. Grammar, mathematics and elocution were his favorite branches; and all who sat at his feet found him a rare master. Mr. Lamborn was one of the prime movers in the organization of the Teachers' Institute of Lancaster county, which he attended annually, and often his voice was heard in debate with the brightest educators of his time. It is not speaking too strongly when we say of him, he had more technical knowledge than any teacher in the intellectual centre of Lancaster. He was nstrumental in forming several school lyceums, giving them a high standard of intelligence. He was also the author of "The Practical Teacher, or Familiar Illustrations of the Modus Operandi of the School Room," Lancaster, Pa., 1855. No teacher was ever more beloved by his pupils, who number many thousands. On his eightieth birthday, his friends assembled in great numbers to do him honor. He was an open friend and apostle of temperance and prohibition. His character was blameless, and his simplicity child-like. Mr Lamborn died in 1888, and was buried in Lampeter Friends' Burial Ground. The Lancaster Intelligencer thus speaks of him in an editorial:— "Ezer Lamborn was one of the best known and most distinguished teachers of Lancaster county. He was an advanced educator, always to the front, quick to suggest improvements, or to adopt those suggested by others. He was very methodical in giving instruction, and a model of correctness in his habits and manners, both in and out of school. No teacher was better beloved than Mr. Lamborn, and hundreds of his pupils live to-day to bear testimony to his worth and to grieve at his death. He was also one of the first to take an active part in the organization of the Teachers' Institute, and for thirty years his well known form and genial face were seldom missed from its annual sessions in this city. Guileless himself, he was slow to suspect guile in others. He was very fond of company, and young people were very fond of him." "Liberty of Thought." "But there is yet a liberty, Unsung by poets and by Senators unpraised, 'Tis liberty of thought derived from heaven."-CowPER. Yes,-"Liberty of thought" thou still art free, Though ye the freedom of our speech may crush, No! all your efforts would forever prove Or force your dogmas in its sacred bower. Ere you can change, ere you eradicate These may suppress, but crush they never can. Convincing reason and persuasion mild The only efforts are which you can wield To these and these alone can reason yield. "Together let us reason," Christ hath said; EZER LAMBORN (275). The foregoing was written in 1838 for a lyceum, in answer to a member who endeavored to prevent liberty of speech. Thomas Worrell (276). Born in Pennsylvania, Ninth month 9th, 1808, and moved to Wilmington, Del., about 1840. He was a woolen manufacturer, and established a mill near Loveville in Mill Creek Hundred, Newcastle county, and continued in the business for over thirty years. He retired from business nearly twenty years ago. His life had always been a quiet one. As a member of the Society of Friends (Hicksites) was always interested in the affairs of that society. He always advocated reform measures in politics and social life. Was an ardent co-worker of William Lloyd Garrison and of Thomas Garreta, of Delaware. His home in Mill Creek Hundred was a recognized station on the under-ground railroad, by which slaves escaped from the south. His woolen manufactures were principally sold in the south, and although his customers were pro-slavery advocates, he fearlessly proclaimed his principles, and at the same time managed to retain the confidence and respect of his opponents. He is, perhaps, the last of the old-time abolitionists of the Middle States. Never lost his interest in the colored race, but has always been active in promoting education among them; he was one of the early promoters of the Howard School, now Public School No. 16, of Wilmington. Religion - Two Pictures. Sitting at my window, gazing on the street, Dreaming I went backward, o'er the waste of years, Who bade me up and follow on thro' fear and dread, Lines Suggested by a Visit to the Banks of the Susquehanna River. "T was on a calm autumnal eve I strayed Along the beauteous Susquehanna's shore; The sunbeams on the waters gently played, While streamlets' murmurs mingled with their roar. A placid stillness stole across my soul; |