Thomas S. Miller
Utica Saturday Globe, March 1913
Thomas S. Miller
1840-1913
Norwich [Chenango Co., NY]: Thomas S. Miller, who died at his residence on Hayes street last week, was born in Otsego county December 7, 1840, the oldest son of ---ac Miller, who soon after his birth moved into New Berlin where Mr. Miller acquired his early education, afterwards pursuing more studies in Norwich and Oxford Academies, fitting himself for [other] endeavors. He taught several years in the Breed district south of the village. Later Mr. Miller entered Fuller's store at New Berlin to learn the mercantile business. This engagement ceased when he accepted a clerkship in Cooperstown which he left to come to Norwich and entered the employ of George W. Sholes. In 1868 he formed a partnership with Harvey J. Daniels. They embarked in business in the old corner store of the wooden row which was torn down to make way for the modern Hill block and stores to the south on Broad street. After their partnership expired Mr. Miller continued in the retail business for himself for a number of years and the last few years had engaged in insurance, brokerage, real estate and kindred lines. He had an extended acquaintance throughout the county, making him very useful in the capacity of superintendent of the floral hall for the County Agricultural Society, a position he had acceptably filled for a number of years. He was also an active member and leader in the social functions of the Norwich Club. In June, 1871, Mr. Miller was married to Love E. Thomas, whose death, July 29, 1911, terminated a married life of more than 40 years. He was the last survivor of his own immediate family, but leaves a large circle of relatives in this and surrounding towns. Mrs. Florence Miller, the widow of his brother, A.T. Miller, and Mrs. A.C. Latham and George A. Thomas, sister and brother of his deceased wife, were with him at the end. Funeral services were largely attended from the residence of George A. Thomas on Hayes street Saturday afternoon, Rev. J.A. Monk officiating. [Buried Mount Hope Cemetery, Norwich, NY]
Distinguished in the field of banking and as an industrial leader, J. Bennet Turner, a director and chairman of the executive committee of the Norwich Pharmacal Company, died at 6 o'clock Sunday morning after a brief critical illness. He was stricken at his home late Saturday afternoon. Mr. Turner had been active in his varied interests until his illness. Widely known in banking circles Mr. Turner became a director of The National Bank and Trust company of Norwich in 1892. In 1907 he was elected vice president and served that institution as president from 1917 until 1938, serving since then as chairman of the board. Mr. Turner was born in the town of Oxford [Chenango Co., NY], July 19, 1865, one of six children of Joseph Prentice and Mary C. (Stone) Turner. His education was in the local schools and at Oxford academy. In early manhood he engaged in the teaching profession, first in the Turner district and later as a member of the Oxford academy teaching staff. In 1887 with George H. Stone, Mr. Turner established the dry goods firm of Stone and Turner in this city. Later this store became known as the Chapman and Turner Company. Mr. Turner continued as an active member in the partnership until 1912. Always a leader in the development of Norwich, Mr. Turner over a long period of years has contributed progressive thought and a natural enthusiasm to any project he believed would aid in community betterment. It was under his administration as village president that Norwich had her first paved streets. For some years he was vice president of the Norwich Water Works. Mr. Turner was influential in organizing the Norwich Theatre Company which built the present Colonia theatre and the Norwich Hotel Company which operates The Chenango. Through his active interest the Norwich Chamber of Commerce was organized. Mr. Turner was president of The Norwich Wire Words and of Bennett-Ireland, both organizations among the city's most substantial industries. He was one of the founders of the Norwich knitting Company and for several years served as the president of that company. He was closely allied with the growth of The Norwich Pharmacal Company and for many years served as chairman of the board of directors of that company. A member of the First Congregational church his active interest there was felt over the years. He served the church for a long period as a member of the board of trustees and in his early manhood taught a Sunday school class in that church. During the battle scarred days of World War I Mr. Turner was Chenango county fuel administrator and head of the county's Liberty Loan committee. Symbolic of his civic interest in continuing community progress Mr. Turner served as chairman of the board of trustees of the Y.M.C.A. He directed the complete remodeling project of the present association building a few years ago, convinced that a modernized program would result from a modern building. He was active in organizing the former Canasawacta Country Club to provide this area with a golf course [and pursued] the national pastime with a studious interest. His support of community teams found him an enthusiastic attendant at home games., A charter member of the Norwich Club, Mr. Turner participated in city club activities until his final illness. He was a charter member of Norwich Rotary, a member of Norwich lodge, 302 F. and A.M., Norwich lodge of Elks and the Loyal Order of Moose. He was greatly interested in the Mooseheart program, national home of that organization for children. Never too occupied to meet his friends and associates Mr. Turner was affable and kindly. He was a keen student of human nature and enjoyed the confidence of all. His counsel often was sought and generously given. A lifelong Republican, his activity and interest in politics were limited to that of good citizenship. In 1890 Mr. Turner was united in marriage with Mary B. Reed. Her death occurred June 8, 1933. His marriage to Emily B. Griswold occurred February 19, 1936. She survives him as do two sons, William R. and John B. Turner, and one sister, Mrs. Jennie Gifford, all of this city. Other survivors include seven grandchildren. Mrs. Charles A. Smith Jr., Mrs. David I. Dary and Miss Laurie Anne Turner; Miss Barbara Turner, John Turner Jr., Kent and Mary Turner. Other immediate survivors are nieces and nephews, and three great grandchildren, Jeanette Smith, W. David Dary and Douglas Carlton Dary. Mr. Turner's body rests at his late home on the Chenango lake road from where funeral services are to be held Tuesday morning at 10:30. The Rev. Dr. G. Edgar Wolfe, pastor of the First Congregational church will officiate. Burial will be made in the family plot in Mt. Hope cemetery. Friends will be received at the family home Monday afternoon and evening. The family expresses a request that flowers be omitted.
Oxford [Chenango Co., NY]: This village mourns today over the passing of Jesse Jacobs, 76, former United States marshal for the northern district of New York. Mr. Jacobs was recognized as Oxford's "first citizen" and was recognized as a state and national leader within the ranks of the Democratic party. His ability and leadership were accorded recognition of the highest order. Mr. Jacobs died at 6:45 Thursday night in Binghamton City Hospital. In failing health for two years he was confined to his residence here for several days, Tuesday he was removed to the hospital and his condition remained critical to the end. He was attended by Dr. William Mayhew of this village and Dr. Howard Davis of the hospital staff. Death resulted from extensive pneumonia. The body of Mr. Jacobs rests at his late residence in State street where friends may call until Sunday. Services will be held Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the Baptist church. Rev. C. L. Sprague, pastor, will officiate. Burial will be made in the family plot in Riverview cemetery [Oxford, NY]. Mr. Jacobs was born July 4, 1872, in Brisben in the township of Greene [Chenango Co., NY]. At the age of eight years the family moved to the Jacobs homestead farm in this village and he attended school in the Miller district. Failing health of his father forced him to end his school studies at the age of 16 years and he took over the operation of the farm. In the field of politics, Mr. Jacobs met with continued success by virtue of his love of people, personal qualities that earned him the confidence and affection of those among whom he lived, a keen interest in affairs and a deep knowledge of human relations. High integrity and sustained enthusiasm were among his many gifts in addition to his generous and sympathetic understanding of his friends. Distinguished for his leadership, his sense of fair play and his counsel, sought by many and respected by those who knew him best, he held many high offices. Mr. Jacobs was a warm personal friend of Alfred E. Smith, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Herbert Lehman and Former Governor William H. Sulzer, all of whom he helped to nominate and rendered important influence in their behalf. His entry into the field of Politics was in 1900 when he was elected a collector for the town of Oxford, serving for two-year terms in 1912 and 1914. His leadership as county Democratic chairman was cherished by members of that party from 1905 thru 1915. In that year he was appointed postmaster and was given reappointment in May 1919. In answer to a countywide demand he returned as county chairman of his party in 1935. In 1932 Mr. Jacobs was appointed a commissioner of the state committee of correction, serving through 1935 when he resigned to accept appointment as United States marshal. Named by the late President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Mr. Jacobs served on reappointments in 1939 and 1944. His third term expired October 1, 1947 with retirement, but he remained in the position until his successor. Gerald K. Nellis of Montgomery county was named. The district he served as marshal includes 29 counties. Mr. Jacobs was a delegate to the Democratic national convention in Chicago in 1932 and was a leader in that convention. He was a member of the electoral college in February, 1933. As a delegate from Chenango county he had attended all state conventions of his party for the past 30 years. In 1933 Mr. Jacobs was named chairman of a depositors' committee to organize a new Oxford bank and his leadership in that appointment was of lasting value to his home community and the county at large. Active in Masonry, Mr. Jacobs was a member of the lodge, the Commandery and the Shrine. Since the age of 21 he has been a member of the Baptist church here. His support was active as a member of Oxford Rotary and Grange, in the Odd Fellows and Norwich lodge of Elks, and the Oxford Citizens' Club. Mr. Jacobs was active for years in the Lake Ludlow Club. In school and community affairs and as a sportsman, Oxford organizations and community teams benefited from his interest, generous support and enthusiasm. Mr. Jacobs was three times married. His first wife was the former Jessie Stone of Oxford. Following her death he married the former Sarah Fletcher, Sept. 18, 1915. This union was broken by death and on June 27, 1942, he was united in marriage with Miss Hazel Seaman, formerly of Walton. She survives as do several cousins. Probably one of the best known of New York state's citizens, the death of Mr. Jacobs removes one who was respected and beloved. Since his retirement from public life Mr. Jacobs had devoted his time to the operation of his homestead farm here.
J. Bennett Turner
J. Bennett Turner
1865 - 1945
Jesse Jacobs
Jesse Jacobs
1872 - 1948
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