Old Resident dies suddenly at his Home.
Last Sunday evening one of the oldest—perhaps the oldest man in Norwood passed over the bar. It was Jabez Sumner, who has lived for several years, in a little house on Nahatan street. During his residence there he has lived somewhat away from the world, although having a little circle of friends to whom he paid almost daily visits.
Mr. Sumner, or “Jab”, as nearly everyone called him, was 87 years old the 22nd of last May, but in spite of his age was lively and was around to see his friends the day before he died. The cause of his death was a shock which befell him Sunday morning it is supposed. lie had been in the habit of taking his dinners out and getting his other meals himself. He was missed at his dinner Sunday aud upon investigation was found lying on the floor in his little house. A doctor was summoned but he could not rally and died late in the afternoon.
He was born in Norwood on Sumner street and was one of a family of six children, of which he was the oldest. Tn his younger days he was what might be termed a sport, being a great fellow for dances, theatres and parties of all kinds. He liked to travel and often went off for months at a time. He was always very temperate and industrious and was very prudent as to how to spend his money. The fact that he died a bachelor seems rather strange, judging from the manner in which he lived when a young man, for he always went with the best of company and was very popular.
If he ever had a trade it was that of a stone mason. He used to say “I’m not much of a mechanic but I am about as good a judge of stone as there is anywhere.” He used to take contracts for digging wells and for blasting with both dynamite and gunpowder. He also had charge of a gang of men building railroads.
A few years ago he retired from active life, lented his house on Nahatan street and built a little house nearby where he lived alone until his death.
He was very much interested in railroad undertakings of all kinds and liked to ride on the cars. Only a few weeks ago he took a trip to Providence and back going nearly all the way by trolley. When the Boston Subway was being built he took great interest in the work, visiting Boston nearly every day from the start. When the Subway was opened, he was there among the first and went through with the first car- load of passengers. He showed the same interest in the East Boston Tunnel and was among the first to go through it.
His favorite haunt of late was at the workshop of Warren C. Cottrell, which place he used to visit twice almost every day.
Although a peculiar man in many ways he was very agreeable and he will be missed by many of his friends. He leaves for relatives, a sister, Elizabeth, in Sharon, and a brother, Rufus, who lives on Sumner street where Jabez was born. He was descended from Gov. Sumner of Massachusetts, who lived many years ago. He is also related to several old families in Norwood.
(All articles originally published in the Norwood Messenger)