Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1884-10-24
Death of DR.. Sommers.-Al

Death Of DR.. SOmmePs. daily
we learn to realize more forcibly that death
makes no distinction. Itappears when and
how it pleases. The beauty of health or Of
youth cannot keep it back. 1t knocks at the
cabins ofthe poor and the palatial residences
of the millionaires 1t shades the hearth
stone of the peasant and the statesman, and
hangs its Grape upon every door without re-
gard to rank, age or sex. 1t was sad hour
in this community on Monday morning last
when the news was travelling from Preside
to fireside that DR.. Abraham Ii. Sommers, an
old and former resident, had died during the
previous night at the Great Falls, where he
had but recently located.
1t is pleasing and almost universal Gus
tom among men to honor the memories OF
their departed friends. 1t is a custom which
springs from the purest emotions of the
soul, and goes forth in various forms to ele-
vate and beautify all that was good in the
dead and kindly covering whatever of frail-
ties there may have existed with the mantle
of charity The method of expressing this
sentiment of respect for the dead belongs to
all classes and conditions of mankind. 1t is
voiced in the funeral chan; of the untutored
savage-it is heard in the eloquent eulogies
which embalm the memories of the depart
ed, in the literature and song of the most
cultured and prominent people. 1t is read
on the rude stone that marks the last resting
place Of the toilworn and heart worn. 1t is
monogramed on the marble column VIII ich
shelters the dust of former greatness.
Alive to this noble impulse, as honorable
to oursef as it is natural to the human heart,
we turn from the ordinary duties that sur
round US and earnestly and affectionately
express our respect to the memory Of the
deceased, whom we were ever glad to rec
0gnize as our friend, and in whom this coun-
ty had again and again reposed its conf
dence and to whom it had given its support.
If he had faults they fell by his own side
If he had lmperfections, remember he was
human, and let him who is without sin cast
the first stone
DR.. Sommers was in the 5Sth year Of his
age. He was native OF Alexandria county,
Va. Whilst quite young man, in the year
1848, he studied medicine with the late DR..
John w. Anderson, Of this place. Possess
ing fine Judgment, a strong mind and II
natural talent and tondness Tor the profess
sion he had selected, he was enabled to take
a conspicuous position in his class, and after
u course Oftwo years graduated in the schools
ofmcdicine in Baltimore and New York with
distinguished success. Soon after his gradual
ton he WAS successful in for ming partner
ship with his former tutor the late Dr. Ander-
son, and married Miss Virginia, 2d daughter
OF the late Samuel c. Veirs, Esq. Possessed
OF that innate kindness OF heart and keen
sense Of the right which impart to human
nature its fascination and true nobility, he
never gave offence, and drew to him troops
of friends, consequently in Il few years after
his graduation he was in the fall tide of IL
remunerative practice and ON the road to
professional and pecunary preferment.
DR.. Sommers, whilst man Of an un-
usually strong mind, was fond Of excite
ment, fond of change and fond of charging
his circle OF acquaintance and friends. His
profession ceased to be fascinating, and he
seemed to grow wearied with its ordinary
routine Gradually he drilted into the arena
of politics. Frank, generous and of pleasant
and prep%ssessing manner he soon had the
almost unlimited confidence and support of
his party. Indeed, we have often heard him
say, ironically, of course, but playiully, 81
live in the hearts of my people" DR.. som
mers after entering actively into politics was
selected for the Orphans Court, a position
which he held for sixteen years, and was de-
feated last fall for denomination by IL
small majority,
Pending his judgeship, DR.. Sommers had
separated himself almost entirely from his
profession. After his defeat, however, and
at the instance of friends he was induced To
locate at the Great Falls and resume the
profession for which he was SO admirably
fitted. 1t was hard struggle for him t.
break away from the friends and familiar
faces and scenes Of over thirty years. lie
realized the necessity, met the emergency
with an iron will and was making new
friends and building up new practice
when the melancholy end camc-out of the
sunlight and starlight into the shadows 81
the great unknown.
Dr. Sommers was unfortunate in losing
his wife number Of years ago, but he
leaves behind him an afflicted family o.
children " mourn his loss--lour sons and
a daughter just budding into beautiful wo
manhood. They bear with them in this
their second wave OF sorrow our deepest
sympathy.
in the Autumn Of life, under an Autumn
sun, and whilst the Autumn leaves were
falling his family md friends placed hin
beside his wife. All are willing Thai his i'm
projections shall be buried in the grave with
him, and his virtues only be left to bloom
and blossom on the paths Of the living
"Let us hope that he is better of"
Farmers National Congress -Agri