Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1919-02-19
Hon. Homer III. Somers.

Hon. Homer III. Somers.
Through death Orleans county has
lost one of its best-known citizens,
when on the evening of the 18th,
Hon. Homer H Somers OF 81 Autumn
street, Newport, died.
He was born in Starksboro, Jan. /,
1847. With his fathers family he
moved to Irasburg, In March, 1854,
where he lived as a prominent farm
er and highly esteemed citizen for
nearly 60 years. In 1910 he retired
from farming and made his residence
at Newport.
Mr.. Somers rendered distinguished
service to the town of Irasburg by
filling with honor and zeal many pub
lie Offices. He acted as trustee and
adiudicator of some 40 estates. In
1888 he represented his town in the
state legislature, and in 1906 was
elected state senator from Orleans
county. For over 20 years Mr.. Som
ers was president of the Barton Fair
association, building the organization
up to great prominence in the state
and to large financial success. For
many years he was the promoter,
secretary and treasurer of the Iras
burg Cheese Factory Co., the success
of this enterprise brought rich re-
turns to the farmers of the town.
Ex-senator Somers was an enthusi-
astic Mason, and was member of
| Central Lodge No. 81 of Irasburg for
| so years, lacking four months. He
was an honored past master and dis
/ trict deputy of the lodge. His genial
optimism, his splendid spirit of cheer
/ and his warm human sympathy am
plifed the white triangle of the order
| in Faith. Hope and Charity. The
! song of his heart was:
'eLet none be comfortless, let none
despair.
Lo, round the black, the white ash
lars arei
Stand by each other, dark fortune
defy,
All these vicissitudes end by and by"
( Mr.. Somers was a staunch Republi-
+ can in politics. An aggressive worker
and ardent advocate of the ideals and
principles of Lincoln. Though strong
+ ly upholding party issues, he was lib
eral in his concessions to the political
views of others This generous po-
! litical attitude of mind won him pop
ular favor among politicians of the
I entire stat.
/ One of the superb qualities Of char
acter in Mr.. Somers was his whole
( souled friendliness, generous spirit OF
I giving and cordial good will. These
made him an ideal neighbor and
/ friend
! His funeral eulogy was delivered
( by Rev. Wilmond A Warner of Bar
| ton, who paid a most eloquent and
tender tribute to the long years OF
personal and public services OF the
( deceased. Services were in the East
/ Side Baptist church. Mr.. Somers
! leaves a wife, Clara V. Somers and
four children, 1st Lieut.. Henry Il.
/ Somers, still in the service in France,
/ Mrs. Delmer E. Croft of New Haven,
/ Conn.,, Mrs. Benz. c. Brown of Water
town, N Y, and Mrs. Harold c. Ber-
ry of Bellows Falls.
The members of the Central Lodge,
I No. 62, of Masons, attended the fu-
neral in body, conducting the. full
Masonic rites. Music was rendered
impressive effect favorite selections.
Interment was in the family lot m
Irasburg cemetery.
The familiar figure of Mr.. Somers
will be greatly missed in the towns
/ of Orleans county where he has been
so often seen. His life remains rich
in years and deeds.
"Life's course, well run,
Life's battle, well won,
Life's work well done,
Now cometh rest"
Gard of Thanks-To all friends,
who extended their kindly sympathy
and helpful service; and TO the mem
bers of Central Lodge. No 62 of Ma
sons, for their impressive service,
T and to all for their qifts of flowers
we extend grateful thanks.
Mrs. Homer II. Soners
and family.