Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1919-04-22
Benjamin Tucker.

One of the oldest citizens OF Norway,
and one OF the most widely known men
OF the town, was Benjamin Tucker, who
died about midnight Monday night, the
l4th, at his home near Norway Lake.
he had been failing for the past six
months, but was about the house even
up to Monday. Until within q few
months he bad been active as few men of
his years are.
Mr.. Tucker was the third of the name.
The first Benjamin Tucker came to Nor
way in 1900. His son, Benjamin Tucker,
Jr., married Sarah Millett of Norway,
and the subject of this sketch was one
OF their children. He was born in Buck
field March II, 1881, while his parents
were residing In that town for a few
years, but in the fall of 1882 the family
returned to Norway.
Mr.. Tucker received his education In
the town schools of Norway and Nor
way Liberal Institute. Afrer attaining
his majority, he was engaged in trucking
betw cen Norway and South Paris. He
married Miss Hannah E. Merrill of Nor
way Dec. /, 1857. In 1859 he bought q
farm at Waterford, where they remain
ed about sixteen years. He was a charter
member Of Bear Mountain Grange, and
was elected its first master.
In 1875 Mr.. Tucker purchased the
Sumner Burnham farm near Norway
Lake, on which the rest of bis life was
spent. This is large farm, containing
236 acres, in addition to which be owned
considerable areas OF woodland in Water
ford and Oxford. For years he made q
speciality of dairying, and was one of the
best known breeders of Holsteins in this
part of the country. Previous to 1912
milk route was run in the village, but
since that date the milk has been sold in
bulk.
In 1915, Mr.. Tucker sold nearly his
entire herd of Holsteins to A. G.. Pratt
of Pennington, and then, although So
years Of age, started to build up herd
again, and at the time of his death was
the owner OF twenty-five of the breed.
he attended state and national dairy
meetings and other farmers gatherings
even in his advanced years, and was
always progressive and kept In touch
with what was going on in the dairy
world. His progressive ideas were car
ried out in the equipment of his farm
plant, which was fully up to date.
He was a member of Oxford Lodge, F.
and A. NJ, of Norway, and of Norway
Grange, P. of q. 10 religion he was
Universslist, and in politics Republican.
A man OF high principles and highly
esteemed citizen.
Seven children were born to Mr.. and
Mrs. Tucker, three Of whom are dead:
daughter who died young; Fannie NJ,
who died Jan. II, 1901; and Frank L.,
who died Jan. 22, 1908. The four living
are Mrs. Ada Stiles of Concord, N. A.;
Arthur Tucker of Pennington; Alton B.
of Norridgswock; and Wilbur NJ, who
lives on the farm adjoining his fathers.
Mrs. Tucker died Feb. IS, 1901. Some
years later Mr.. Tucker married Mrs.
Ellen Marston Of Norway, who survives
him. There are fifteen grandchildren
and one grest-grandchild. he is also
survived by one brother, Henry Tucker,
OF Logansport, Ind, and one sister, Mrs.
A lice Oxnard of Norway.
The funeral Thursday afternoon was
attended by Rev. Chester Gore Miller,
and was in charge OF Oxford Lodge of
Masons, which rendered the funeral
service of the order.