"Samuel S. Booth died in Norwich July 14, of Bright's disease. In the death of Mr. Booth Norwich has lost a citizen who has lived in town forty-six years, who was highly respected for his upright character and was well known as a business man. He was formerly proprietor of the Booth lumber mill, which he built and which still bears his name. In 1850 he went to California. After enduring the many hardships of those early days he soon returned home, where he found more comfort and happiness if not so much gold. He always led an active and industrious life. He was a successful business man and had the confidence of those who knew him. He never sought or desired public office yet he was several times selectman and often presided as moderator in town meetings. He had a natural genius for mechanical employment which showed itself in early life. His birthplace was Lempster, N. H., in the vicinity of which there are now many relations. His mother is still living at a great age with two daughters in Worcester, Mass. Two of his sisters were present at his funeral, which was attended at his late home by Rev. S. A. Parker, assisted by Rev. N. R. Nichols. Mr. Booth was born July 13, 1818, and died July 14, 1886, aged 68 years and one day. He was confined to the house only a few weeks and his death was unexpected by many. As we look back on him we feel that he was a man of marked individuality and had his own views of politics and religion. He will be greatly missed in the community where he lived so long and was so favorably known, but the loss to his family is felt most keenly, for his home was a very pleasant spot and he made it attractive by his good taste and thoughtful care. It was the center of his life. He and his wife lived together for many years and saw with just pride four sons and four daughters grow up to manhood and womanhood, and who were all present at his funeral. What is remarkable, death has never before entered this large family. The memory of this home will be sacred to his children now scattered far apart."

SOURCE: The Landmark [White River Junction, Vermont], 31 Jul 1886, p. 3