New Britain herald., 1925-06-27
J. s. DOUGLASS, 9S,
 CALLED ID REWARD
Chestnut Street Man Hoped to
 Pass Century Mark ; .
OPTIMISTIC ON BIRTHDAY
Nonagcnarian Gave Liberally to Charity and Was Interested in Sunshine Society-Ftineral Mon- day Afternoon at 8 O'clock.

The hand of death gently and Quiety removed from the city's midst yesterday afternoon, J. Spencer Dou- glass, 98 years and six months old, of 199 Chestnut street. MT. Dou- glass was New Britain's oldest resi- dent and one of the oldest in the state, observing his 9Sth birthday New Years Day last He had been III for three weeks, although prior to this illness he had always enjoy ed good health. and frequent made the prediction that he would achieve the goal he so closely approached, a full century of living.
 At the time of his 9Sth birthday last January, Mir. Douglass was in- :erveiwed by g number of newspaper representatives, and looked at that ime fully a score of years younger hat he was. His eyesight was not of the best, but this was the only 'ailing noticeable. His hearing was good, his voice clear and distinct, and his outlook on life fully as con- fident, fully as hopeful as any young business man about to launch himself on his career.
 Gave Generously 10 Charity.
 Mir. Douglass was always phil anthropist. although he was of that type who seldom allowed his good works to be broadcast. Up until the time of his last illness. he had been especially active in the work of the Sunshine society. continuing the good work of his late wife who was for many years an active and jealous member. One Of his most recent gifts to the organization was a block of stock in local manufac- turing concerns. given to the organi- zation with the express intention that it be used solely for the city's poor and indigent. The brightest ray of cheer in MT. Douglass de- clinIng years has been the realiza- ton that he has done something to help alleviate the condition of the needy poor.
 Mir. Douglass lived his entire life In strict accordance with the princi- pie embodied in the lines: Count that day lost whose low descending sun, sees from thy hand no worthy action done" and he was generously rewarded with ripe and happy old age, free from so many of the af- hictions coincident with the advance ment of the years.
 Kept Pace With Time
 Mir. Douglass always kept abreast of the times and even in his latter years possessed keen and twiuklinG sense of humor. evident at once to all who talked to him. Although his syesight did not permit a perusal of he daily newspapers, he always dis played the greatest interest In cur rent topics read to him by his nurses. Since first news Of his Ill., ness has been announced, there have been hundreds of calls, and inquiries concerning his health, showing the high regard with which New Brit aims grand old man was regarded in the community.
 Mir. Douglass was born in New Hartford, January 1, 1927, and came to this city more than 7l years ago. He entered the employ of the Stan ley Rule and Level G., after his ar rival here, and was for many years a contractor in that firms employ. He retired after 22 years service at this plant.
 He was never very active frator- naIIy, his sole connection in that re- spect having bee1 with the First Congregational churchA Mems So- ciety. He was an attendant at the church. for years, but of late, was prevented from attending because of his advanced age. He is survived by q number of nieces and nephews.
 The funeral will be held at 3 o'clock Monday afternoon at the home. Rev. Theodore A. Greene, pastor of the First Congregational church, will officiate, and burial will be in Fairview cemetery.