Putnam patriot., 1913-04-18
THOM PSoN
OSCAR SHrMWAY


 Never in the history of the town of Webster has there been such universal and sincere mourning as that for Oscar Shumway, who after long and tedi- ous illness, patiently borne, passed away, and was laid at rest last Tues day week.
 Mir Shumway was born in Stur- bridge, Oct. 8, 1885, and at the time of his death was v years, 6 months ana l day of age. He was the son of Ste phen Shumway and Martha Holmes. He was one of six children. His fa- ther died in 1S49 and his mother in 1895, aged S4 years. After leaving Sturbridge they took up their resi- dence in Thompson and the family be- came prominent in this town and the elder Shumway was instrumental in establishing and building the Brandy Hill church.
 Oscar Shumway was employed for two years in the post office of Thomp son and his early education was ob- tained there, later going to Lawrence Academy, Groton. He went to Web ster and was in business with hi, uncle, w. w. Holmes, previous to the family coming to Webster The wood en building occupied by them at that time was burned in 1886, but was soon replaced by brick structure called "Merchants' block.n The business was very prosperous and ten years ago was sold to his cousin, w. Holmes.
 MT. Shumway married Miss Emma Kelsey in Webster, May A, 1876. His oldest sister, Sarah, was school teacher at Brandy Hill who married Monroe Nichols of Thompson, who was promoted to Colonel in the Civil war. Miss Martha died in Webster, Miss Elizabeth married Hammond Shumway, nephew of the late Solomon Shumway; Miss Emily, the youngest, unmarried, lives at the homestead. All were fine musicians. All were mem- bers of the Baptist church at Webster, of which Oscar was treasurer many years and to whom he left s ,000 and S3OO to the pastor.
 Honor, not confined by creed, church, society, lodge or party, is seldom lm- partially bestowed upon anyone living or dead but thus it can be truly sad Tn connection with the funeral day ot our late town treasurer, Oscar Shumway All business was suspended and the banks and schools closed, and while the funeral coTtege passed through the streets doors were closed and blinds drawn in residences. At the house there were prayers at l o'clock and the body was escorted to the church by large body of present and past town officials. Ceremonies at the church were conducted by Rev. Harry St. John Filmer, pastor, who fills the place of his father who was in the pull pit for thirty years previous and 10 whom MT. Shumway was devotedly attached. The Shurman quartette of Worcester sang and Arthur Simmons presided at the organ. The selections were, organ, 50 rest in the Lord, Elijah; quartette, "Rest, sweet rest, Abide with mel and the "Miserere.' The bearers were William Holmes, stephen Holmes, Newton; J. Edward Larned, Worcester; and Josiah God dsrd, Wellesley Hills.
 The eulogy of Rev. Filmer, his pas tor and friend, was very tender and sobs were ofteE heard during the ser vice. MT. FilmeT said: Fl would that another stood here in my place today, and yet I would not, for to pay one last tribute to Oscar Shumway, the kindly, courteous, devoted Christian gentleman, is a privilege. To the town il is loss to miss this man, ana 10 this church, where he was ever lthe faithful member, the loss is deep. lie lived his life with Christ as his model, and by this standard we may all De Judged. He was ever slow to speak III of his neighbor and few are the occa- slons when he even spoke in protest II was with good cause and with the courage of his convictions. Loving In The home and kindly and courteous away from it, never being heard to make an unkind remark about anyone and if there was a criticism made about anyone in his presence his displeasure was shown in quiet Christian man. ner accompanied by peculiar back ward sweep of the hand that was very significant ?
 His official capacity as town officer was mot only valued flor the prompt and efficient management of his affairs, but he was ever watchful for the