Obituaries | AdventAI

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 2, 1882

Obituaries.

THOMAS MATTHEW CHAPMAN was born in Westmoreland, Co., Pa., Feb. 10, 1823. Died in Petaluma, Cal., Feb. 20, 1882. Age 54 years, and 10 days.

ANNA JEWELL COLBY was born in Washington Co., Vermont, Jan. 3, 1807. Died in Petaluma, Cal., Feb. 21, 1882. Age, 75 years, one month, and 18 days.

In early life Bro. Chapman united with the Presbyterian Church. When the Seventh-day Adventists held a tent meeting in Petaluma, in 1868, the first one held in California, the family embraced this faith, and since that time he was a consistent and valued member of this body. His was no spasmodic religion; no doubts annoyed his mind. Of an even temper and quiet deportment, he won the respect of all classes. By the Seventh-day Adventists he was always regarded as a leading member, to whom they looked for counsel and to whom they could safely entrust responsible positions. Before his death he remarked to a brother—“It is good to have a hope secure before this old body is racked with pain.” His hope was strong and well-grounded, and he could look upon approaching death without dismay.

Sister Colby, (mother to Sister Chapman), was a “’44 Adventist,” believing in the near coming of Christ as taught by William Miller. She also embraced the faith of the Third Angel’s Message (Rev. 14: 9–12) at the first tent meeting in Petaluma. She had lived in widowhood for 36 years, and her life was that of a most devoted Christian. It was the joy of her life to do good to others. We have seldom known a person who better fulfilled the saying of “Growing old gracefully.” She expressed entire resignation to her death, through which she saw it was her lot to pass.

The family has passed through deep affliction. Five members, including the deceased, were prostrated with typhoid-pneumonia which assumed a very malignant form. Bro. Chapman was much worn by his caring for kindred in their sickness, outside of his own family. His disease affected his brain so that he remained unconscious some time before his death. Sister Colby was literally worn out in her care for others, and her sickness was short—less than five days. Sister Chapman did not see the faces of her beloved husband and mother after their death. She expressed a willingness to remember them as she knew them in health. Though convalescent she was very weak. The funeral services were at the house, and she was comforted with the promise of the Saviour’s speedy coming, and with the hope of soon having the loved ones restored to life—a life free from sickness and pain.

We attended the funeral on the 22d. The two hearses were followed by a very large gathering of neighbors and friends, all anxious to express their sympathy for the bereaved, and to show their respect for the deceased.

They died in hope, and in hope we returned them to the earth, waiting the coming of the resurrection morning.

This was a trying ordeal to Sister Chapman in her weak condition, but she was wonderfully sustained by her faith. She said the Lord was near to hold her up; she felt that he cared for her. To behold her Christian fortitude in such an affliction served to endear her to every faithful heart, and to cause us to bless God for the consolation of the gospel. “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him.” Earthly fathers pity their children most when they are in affliction; so the Lord draws near to his suffering ones, and we hear the sweet voice of him who was made perfect through sufferings,” saying “Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted.”

We are happy to announce that Sister Chapman and the second son, the remaining sick ones, are doing well, and the prospect is that they will speedily recover.