History of Lynn, Essex County, Massachusetts, including Lynnfield ...

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grateful
92 ANNALS OF LYNN — I
88 I.
ordinary esteem had passed away. And it spoke well for the
elevated tone of society that such appreciative tributes were so
spontaneously offered to the memory of such a man.
In person, Mr. Mudge was of full medium size, remarkably
well formed, dignified in manners, and always attentive to those
who addressed him, whether high or low. He was quick of apprehension,
self-possessed, decided in his views, and able at all
times to give a reason for the faith that was in him. It was
impossible for one to have intercourse with him for an hour and
not perceive that he was a man of superior mental endowment.
And those who had fellowship with him in church work were at
once impressed with his fidelity to his clearly-defined principles,
his bright, cheerful anticipations, and his freedom from bigotry.
For political honors he did not aspire, though at one time he
served in the State Senate. Yet he took commendable interest
in public affairs, labored and expended liberally for the advancement
of enterprises that he believed were for the public good.
He manifested especial interest in the young business men —
they who were soon to take the places of the generation of which
he was a member — gave lectures to them, in Boston, and improved
every opportunity to urge upon them the formation of
habits of strict integrity, industry, and moral rectitude, as the
ground on which alone permanent prosperity could rest. Though
he made no pretensions as an orator, he was yet a very effective
speaker, and one who always secured the close attention of his
auditors. His style was earnest and indicative of his own deep
convictions. His language was well chosen, his points concisely
presented, and his arguments effective from resting on a basis
of sound common sense.
The burial service over the remains of Mr. Mudge was held in
St. Stephen's Church — then just on the verge of completion —
on Tuesday, October 4. It was the first service ever held within
those walls, was simple, and in strict accordance with the rubrics.
The edifice was entirely filled, large numbers of distinguished
persons from abroad, and many of the clergy being present. And
the large attendance of our own citizens of all classes, afforded
assurance of the wide-spread sympathy for the bereaved
family. The remains were conveyed to the cloister garth, and
there, with prayer, and sacred melody, and words of heavenly
promise, and amid the tears of loved kindred, committed to their
final resting place.
Mr. Mudge was born in Orrington, Me., on the twenty-second
of March, 1812, and was a son of Rev. Enoch Mudge, a native
of Lynn, of whom a brief biographical notice may be found in
our 1865 edition of the History of Lynn. At an early age he
was united in marriage with Miss Caroline A. Patten of Portland,
Me., and they became the parents of seven children, the mother.