The following transcription was submitted by Bev Mervin for inclusion at the Genealogy in Washington Co., PA web site in July 2000.
Died – of congestive chills at Bridgeport, Fayette County, Pa, Nov. 25, 1861, Andrew Hopkins, in the 67th year of his age.
The subject of this memoir was born in Washington County Co., Pa, April 30, 1795. Being blessed with early religious, parental instruction, he became a subject of saving grace in early life, though for reasons unknown to the writer, he did not unite with any religious organization until 1836 or 7 when he became a Member of the M.E. Church, in which he walked as an exemplary Christian and faithful class leader until the organization of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in this place.
Being possessed of a strong and conscientious mind, and a discriminating judgment, he only had to become acquainted with the advanced position of this body of reformers, to identify himself with them, not only in manner but in reality, with all his powers of soul, body and substance. And while standing in the front ranks of the Church of this place, his benevolence and liberality have only be bounded by his means, which were not small.
As a practical and devoted Christian, he was perhaps as near a perfect model as can be found in this age of the church. He only lived to be loved, and died to be lamented by all who knew him. The last fifteen months of his life were spent in visiting his children, who had emigrated to different parts of the Western Country. His return to this place was looked for with anxiety, and hailed with joy, not only by the church of which he was a beloved member, but by the entire community. But this joy, as with all earthly joys, was of short duration. He landed here Nov.11th, attended Church with his companion the same day, spent a week in saluting old friends, during which time he attended a class, and prayer-meeting with his brethren and sisters. Exhorting them all to faithfulness and steadfastness in the cause of Christ; and as if to finish up his work on earth, the next Sabbath attended the funeral of a soldier, of which you had an account a few days ago; and while at the Church took a chill, which was followed by another on Wednesday and on the next Monday resigned his spirit to God who gave it..
He has left a widow and five children to mourn his absence, besides a large circle of relatives and friends; enemies, he had none. The Church as also lost in him one of its strong supports. May we all have grace to follow him as he followed Christ.
A.D. Carter
Bridgeport, Dec.10th, 1861
Genealogy in Washington County, Pennsylvania
Last updated: 01/20/2006