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TUPPER, Thomas (19347)

Parents

Birth

  • Born on March 03, 1774 in Cornwallis, Kings Co., NS

Death

  • Died on November 05, 1856 in Aylesford, Kings Co., NS
  • Buried in Tremont Old Cemetery in Tremont Kings Co., NS

Marriages

Children

Notes

  • Occupation: School Teacher / Justice of the Peace
  • Obituary: Died - In Lower Aylesford, on the 5th inst., Mr. Thomas Tupper, aged 82 years and 8 months. Our departed brother was remarkably supported by the consolations of religion. A further notice may be expected. Christian Messenger - 12 November 1856 The limits necessarily imposed on obituaries, preclude the giving of detailed accounts, even of the principal events of a long and active life. In the present case, therefore, as usual, a few brief statements and general remarks must suffice. Thomas, the eldest son of the late Charles and Elizabeth Tupper, of Cornwallis, was born on the 5th day of March, 1774. His parents sedulously endeavoured to train him up in the fear of God; but to their grief, the allurements of the world, with the pernicious influence of graceless associates, drew him into the vortex of youthful follies and vices. At the age of twenty-five year, however, Divine grace was signally displayed in turning him from the error of his way. He attended a meeting for the purpose, as he afterwards frequently acknowledged, of collecting some young people together for amusement. An impressive discourse delivered by the late venerable Edward Manning, solemnly arrested his attention; and a fervent exhortation addressed to the unconverted by Elder William Chipman, who was then a youth, tended, by the blessing of Heaven, to render the impression permanent. In pungent anguish of spirit he laboured long and diligently to establish a righteousness of his own. At length, however, a clear and vivid apprehension of the import of the Apostle's declaration. "This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief," filled his soul with joy unutterable. He evidently became "a new creature." Having carefully examined the Scriptures to ascertain the path of duty, he was baptized by the late Rev. T.S. Harding, and became a member of the Baptist Church in Horton. On the first day of October, in the year 1800, he was united in marriage with Miss Jerusha Scovil, of Horton, who was a member of the same church, and was baptized in company with him. By honest industry and economy they obtained a competency, and accumulated a considerable amount of property. They were blessed with six children; and were permitted to enjoy each other's society upwards of fifty-six years. During this time he regularly or with very slight exceptions, maintained the worship of God in his house. Faithfulness, however, demands the admission, that our dear departed brother sometimes became quite too much engrossed with worldly cares. When the writer had recently obtained a hope in the Saviour, in the early part of the year 1815, he visited his Brother Thomas, then residing near Kentville, and applied to him for instruction and advice. Frequently did the subject of this Obituary, in years subsequent, advert to visit, as having been signally blest to him. It tended to arouse him to a deep and lively sense of his departures from "the Fountain of living waters," and taught him to feel keenly the truth of that saying, "The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways." Most humbly did he acknowledge and bewail his wandering, and most fervently did he implore forgiveness for the past, and grace to help him in time to come. In the year 1817 he removed to Lower Aylesford, where he spent the residue of his days. In the powerful and memorable Revival of religion with which this region was graciously visited in the latter part of the year 1828, and the early part of 1839, he took a lively interest. His house was readily opened for religious meetings; as also for the entertainment of the Ministers of Christ, and the Lord's people generally. In addition to the joy arising from witnessing the success of the cause of God in the conversion of many sinners, he and his pious companion enjoyed the unspeakable satisfaction of seeing all their children brought to bow to the sceptre of the blessed Redeemer, and to own Him before the world. The five that have survived their honoured father, are all evidently pursuing "the path of the just"; and one of these, Rev. James C. Tupper, now in New Brunswick, is a faithful and successful preacher of the gospel. Our brother now deceased was careful to have nothing wasted, was neglectful with regard to his personal appearance, and was accustomed to stand firmly in defence of what he believed to be his right. He was, however, unquestionably a man of strict veracity and integrity. It is, moreover, well known to all who were acquainted with him, that he was an obliging neighbour, a kind friend, and a truly hospitable and generous man. His cheerful acts of beneficence, for the relief of the needy, and the sustaining of benevolent institutions, are undoubtedly remembered with gratitude by many. Endowed by nature with a strong and discriminating mind, and availing himself diligently of such opportunities as were afforded him for the acquisition of useful knowledge, he became unusually well informed on a variety of subjects. His reading was extensive, his memory retentive, his reasoning accurate, and his judgement sound. For a number of years he discharged the duties of a Magistrate with faithfulness and ability. He also served his brethren as Clerk of the Church for a length of time, until his increasing infirmities rendered it expedient for him to resign the office. Mr. Tupper was a diligent student of the Bible. In this exercise he took real delight. Though he might not always perceive every truth distinctly, yet his general knowledge of the scripture was remarkably full and correct. He was gifted in prayer and exhortation. His brethren were frequently edified by his public exercises. Most faithfully and affectionately did he warn the unconverted to "flee from the wrath to come," and entreat them to embrace the adorable Redeemer without delay. Toward the close of his life he often adverted in feeling terms to his approaching dissolution, and urged his fellow men to seek for a preparation to meet him in heaven. (It may be proper to remark here, that a little before his decease he expressed a desire that these exercises should be continued by members of the church.) Brother Tupper retained his mental faculties in a state remarkably vigorous; but it had been apparent for some time that his bodily strength was rapidly declining. On the night of the 25th day of October he became exceeding ill. The writer, who was from home, did not see him till the 30th, It was then evident that he was on the verge of eternity. When it was remarked to him, that he had been spared to a good old age, he replies, "I know not why the Lord has spared me so long; for I have been a very unprofitable servant. But," he continued, Jesus my God I know his name, His name is all my trust." He presently added, "I trust the eternal God is my refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms." He constantly manifested cheerful submission to the Divine will, and unshaken reliance upon the Saviour. Not a word of complaint or of fear, was known to be uttered by him. One of the Deacons of the church, residing near him, adverted with pleasure, on visiting him, to the serenity of his mind, and his harmony with his brethren, and with the people generally. On Sabbath morning, Nov. 2nd, he requested that the family and relatives present should be called into his room, and took a calm and affectionate leave of them. He earnestly admonished us to give prayerful and devout attention to the all-important concerns of eternity. "Tell my brethren," said he, "that I die at my post. Charge my young brethren from me, to be diligent and faithful in serving the Lord." Calling one of his grandsons to him, he remarked "You have been a dear grandchild to me. I lament that I have not set a better example before you; but I do trust that I am going to be with Christ; and how can I bear the thought that you shall not go there too?" He then exhorted him most tenderly and impressively, to seek the Lord at once with all his heart. According to another grandson, who had recently professed faith in Christ, he referred to the pleasure which this had afforded him, and fervently urged on him the necessity and importance of perseverance in the Christian faith. He subsequently remarked, "I am a happy man. I trust I have many relations in Heaven; that I shall soon meet them; and that there are many others of them on their way thither." At his request friends present sung the 46th Psalm - he had commenced singing it '96 "God is the refuge of his Saints," &. On Monday afternoon his eldest son arrived. At the close of prayer, our departing brother, who was then so low that it was with difficulty he could articulate sounds, gave thanks to God that when he was last at his son's house, he had been pleased to see several of the family manifesting a determination to serve the Lord. He added a few fervent petitions for his relations, and his fellow men at large, and concluded with the request, "My Zion be saved with an everlasting salvation! Amen." On the morning of Nov. 5th 1856, being that day, precisely 82 years and 8 months of age. Though unable to speak, he clasped his hands and looked upwards; and thus evidently committed his departing spirit into the hands of that faithful and beloved Redeemer in whom he had trusted more than 57 years. "The righteous hath hope in his death." His remains were followed to the grave, on the 7th, by his bereaved widow, four children and their companions, his three surviving brothers, and only sister now living, many descendants and connexions, and a large assembly of sympathizing friends. An appropriate sermon was preached on the occasion, by Rev. Abraham Stronach, from Psalm xxiii - 26. "My flesh and my heart faileth; but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever." -- Communicated by Rev. C. Tupper. Christian Messenger - 10 December 1856

Sources

  • Kings Cemetery Records: Tremont Old Cemetery Tremont,NS

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