History of Northampton, Massachusetts, from its settlement in 1654;

17T7.] REVOLUTION—DEATH OF REV. MR. HOOKER. 411
and directness, free from everything that had a semblance
of affectation. He was modest and retiring, and did not
put himself forward for the sake of popularity or notoriety.
Mr. Hooker was an ardent patriot^ and sympathized
with and aided to the extent of his ability the cause of lib-
erty. During the early years of the war he was frequently
called upon to hold services as the soldiers were about to
march to the front. Usually the company was assembled
at the meeting-house, where prayer would be offered by the
minister, and sometimes addresses made by others. On
one such occasion he preached a sermon from the text,
"and the soldiers said what shall we do?" His death
from smallpox occurred February 6, 1777, at the age of
forty-eight. During his pastorate of twenty-three years,
four hundred nine members were added to the church.
A Monument Elected Ten ycars after his decease, the town voted
to his Memory. ^q " procurc a deccut monumeut to be
erected to the memorj^ of the late John
Hooker, at the cost of the town. " It was soon after placed
in the Bridge Street cemetery, where it is still to be seen.
It bears the following inscription —
:
" Here lies the Rev. John Hooker, who died of y" Small Pox FeV 6"^,
1777, in the 49"' Year of his Age : &
2S'^ of his Ministry. In him an
excellent & highly cialtivated Genius, a graceful Elocution, engaging
manners, & the Temper of the Gospel, united to form an able and
faithful minister, & to render him exemplary and beloved in all the
Relations of life.
" The affectionate People of his charge in remembrance of his many
Amiable and Christian Virtues, erected this Monument to his Memory."
1. It is related of him that he was at first very moderate in his whigism, and some
suspected him of being on the fence. Nathaniel Day, who lived where the Academy
of Music now stands, apprised him of the growing impression concerning his politi-
cal principles, and urged him ' by all that was sacred to come on the right side, or
he would be blown up." Mr. Hooker made no reply, "but ever afterwards was willing
to preach and pray like a true whig." Nathaniel Day was a fiery whig, and with
his monstrous drum, when an alarm was given, "he made the town ring, his head
was up, the muscles of his meagre face were all in motion, and his eyes beamed
with animation .and tire."— Judd MSS.