The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1899-07-21

lent spirits; after breakfast he walked
down to the fish house. with Captain
Lockwood intending to take the boat
train for New York at S25. He babe
his friend goodbye, started for the sta
ton, when he was seen to fall to the
ground Mr.. Lockwood and others were
at once by his side, when he became un-
conscious, death resulting in a few min
utes, from heart disease. The body was
removed to the home of his friend,
where later in the day it was viewed by
a coroner and verdict was rendered in
accordance with the above facts.
Mr.. Thatcher was born in 1881 in
Boston, England, where his family had
been engaged in business for many
years.
At the early age Of eleven he went to
sea as cabin boy on a merchant vessel.
He developed great love for the life of
sailor, although during the many years
he followed that occupation, he was
wrecked several times and had many
thrilling adventures. Once his ship was
frozen in the Arctic ocean, the entire
crew suffering great hardships before
relief was afforded in the spring.
He visited almost every port in the
world, and had an interesting fund of
anecdotes connected with his voyages.
Recently he had occasion to recall
several months spent in Manila Bay and
the surrounding waters.
Mr. Thatcher loved the sea and in his
late years frequently enjoyed an ocean
trip. He became first officer of fine
clipper ship before he gave up life on
a merchantmen to enter the United
States Navy, serving as an officer dur
ing the Mexican war, on gunboat.
Early in the fifties he engaged in the
painting business in New York city. A
contract at Mendham brought him to
Morristown in 1857. Half a century
ago Morristown, though but village,
had sufficient attractions to induce Mr..
Thatcher to locate here, in the business
he has since followed, under the firm
name of Thatcher q Turner. Later the
firm was Thatcher & Carr, and for many
years Mr.. Thatcher has conducted it
himself with the efficient assistance of
his eldest son, Edward ]. Previous to
removing to Morristown, Mr.. Thatcher
lost his first wife, who was Miss Anne
Turner, and by whom he had four chill
dren, three surviving him-Edward j.,
William T. and Miss Annie Turner.
By strict integrity, and careful atten-
tion to a rapidly increasing business,
Mr.. Thatcher at the time of his death
was at the head of one of the largest
establishments of it's kind in New Jersey.
Frequently of late he has had over a
hundred men on his weekly pay roll
Notwithstanding large and growing
business deceased found time in which to
look after the interests of the town.
Soon after locating here he joined the
Ringold artillery, in which he be-
came a lieutenant. He was also an
active member of the Board of Fire
Wardens; previous to locating in Morris.
town he was a member of big Six"
Engine Company, New York city. AL
ways interested in educational matters,
he was elected a member of the Board
of Education in which he served with
ability for many years For thirty years
he has been trustee Of the Evergreen
Cemetery Association and actively inter-
crested in the many changes and inn
which have done so much
to beautify that property. At the time
of his decease he was its vice president.
Over quarter of century ago he uni
ted with the South Street Presbyterian
Church; as a member of the Executive
Committee of It's Board of Trustees his
services have been valuable.
Some time ago he became member
of the Washington Association of New
Jersey and was always interested in its
welfare. Many relics connected with
the days of the Revolution presented by
him may be seen at the Headquarters.
Mr.. Thatcher was an "Odd Fellow" and
one of the Oldest members of Cincinnati
Lodge, A. F. & A. NJ and trustee of
the Masonic Hall Association. He was
greatly interested in the Market Street
Mission and other charitable organiza-
tions of the town AS one of the mana
ayers Of the Morris County Savings Bank
he gave the duties pertaining to that
office personal attention.
In politics, first Whig, he became
identified, with the Re-
publican party at its organization and
has ever been staunch supporter of Its
principles. He was elected member
Of the Common Council in 1880, serving
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