The Birmingham age-herald., 1917-02-09

I immediately called for the physician and the coroner and they came"
 MT. Percy was the senior member of the firm of Percy, Benners & Burr, which is counsel for the Tennessee Coal. Iron and Railroad company, Re- public Iron and Steel company, the Illinois Central railroad and other smaller interests
 NATIVE OF MISSISSIPPI
 While one of the foremost citizens of Birmingham for over 30 years, Mr. Percy was a native of Mississippi. He was born on November IS, 1864, in Washington county, Mississippi. He re- ceived his early education in the schools of that state, but became a student of the University of the South at Sewanee in 1879. He was gradu- ated with the degree of master of arts in 1883, and then entered the Uni- versity of Virginia law school, where he graduated with the degree of IL. D. in 1885
 Birmingham, a town of fewer than 40O0 inhabitants, was the place which MT. Percy, as young attorney, sought to identify himself As a young man of 22 years, he started the prac- tice of law in this city. From the out set he was a success. for he evinced at that time the characteristic fearless stand for what he considered right and the keen Knowledge of the law
 On April IT, 1888, he was married to Miss Mary Pratt DeBardeleben.
 His fortunes as t lawyer swelled as time progressed He became iden- tified with Judge William Grubh about 1900 and was member of the firm of Percy X Grubb for several years. Soon afterward he became associated with Augustus Benners. Two years later Borden Burr was admitted to the firm, which has since been known as Percy Benners & Burr.
 NEVER SOUGHT PUBLIC OFFICE
 MT. Percy was a man who never sought public office and acclaim But shortly before 1910 he became inter. ested in the commission form of gov ernment and sought to have it replace the old aldermanic system. He was elected to the state legislature for the term beginning in 1911, and there made possible commission form of govern ment when he drew up a bill and fought for it's adoption. He was op- posed to the fee system In the state of Alabama. To provide for its abolition, ne was the author of bill providing tor constitutional amendment abol- ishing the fee system in Jefferson county. This was passed.
 But in working for Jefferson county and Birmingham, MT. Percy taxed his physi- cal powers and had a nervous break down. However. he recovered from this and at the time of his death was in splen- did health.
 MT. Percy was a leader in the social life of Birmingham. He was a member of the Country, Southern, Roebuck and Ath- letic clubs. He was prominently identi- fled with the Country club, and at one time he was president of it. He was an enthusiastic golfer and hunter
 Charitable institutions of Birming- ham all knew they had friend in MT Percy. He did especially good work in behalf of the Birmingham Y. W. c. A. and for years he had been regular contributor and worker for the Mercy Home, Other charities were also con tinuel recipients of his interest and aid
 It was remarkable how many phases of life he entered into. In 1900 he was made president of the Berney National bank, after having served for several years as director When the business of this bank was purchased by the First National bank, he became, at the time of the con- solldation, director, and retained that honor until his death. He was president of the Ensley Land company.
 As lawyer, MT. Percy was regarded as leader. He was general counsel TOT the Tennessee Coal, Iron and Railroad company, and was leading figure in the investigation that the department of jus tice held in Birmingham regarding the acquisition of the Tennessee company by the United States Steel corporation. He was a speaker of forceful delivery and powerful appeal.
 Surviving MT. Percy are his widow; son, Leroy Percy; a daughter, Mrs. Matt Murphy; and one brother. Senator Leroy Percy of Greenville, Miss.
 The funeral services will be conducted from the family residence tomorrow with interment at Elmwood cemetery. The exact hour and other details Of the funeral will be announced later.