Allan P. Sill, 71, Dies In Sleep at His Home; Assemblyman 16 Years
Allan P. Sill, 71, a beloved townsman and faithful and conscientious public servant, died in his sleep at about 6 o'clock this morning, February 11, 1957. His wife found him when she went to awaken him. He had been dead about an hour.
Mr. Sill had been in his usual health. He attended the session of the University of Life in Emmanuel Congregational Church Sunday night, watched television later in the evening, and retired at the usual hour. Since his retirement as assemblyman, he had spent each day at the offices of the Massena Savings and Loan Association. He was in good spirits.
Several years ago Mr. Sill suffered an attack while in Albany and was hospitalized for a time. As soon as he was able, he returned to his assembly duties, minimizing the seriousness of the attack.
Mr. Sill was born at Rodman, Jefferson County October 17, 1885, a son of Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Sill. The family moved to Watertown when he was young and the father conducted a hardware business in that city for many years.
He was graduated from Watertown High School and then attended Lehigh University at Bethlehem, PA for three years, studying electrical engineering. His first job was with Maryland Steel Company at Sparrows Point, MD. He came to Massena in 1915 and worked in the electrical department at the aluminum plant when A. L. Williams was in charge of that department.
Mr. Sill and Miss Irene Ball, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Ball, Massena were married June 24, 1916. That same year, Mr. Sill went into business with his father-in-law under the firm name of the Ball Coal Company.
Surviving are his wife; two daughters, Mrs. Albert (Martha) Wolstenholme and Mrs. Paul (Katherine) Nurnberger, both of Massena; seven grandchildren; two sisters, Miss Elizabeth Sill, New York City and Mrs. Kate Little, Westfield, NJ.
Massena Observer
Monday, February 11, 1957
OUR TOWN
By ANTHONY J. ROMEO
HE WALKED INTO THE SETTING SUN
There have been, many men arid women who have, left their mark even after they have passed on to the great beyond. One such man stands out in my mind because he was something more than just a citizen of OUR TOWN or merely a friend arid acquaintance.
Oddly enough, I first came to really know this man during the, rehearsals of a play called PAGE THE PRINCE which was put on by the then famous, JOHN B. ROGERS COMPANY. I was teamed up with the man I had known for, many years but never had had any personal contacts with him.
I had paid many coal bills in his office but only knew him as a man with a pleasant voice and a pleasing personality. Now, I was teamed with him in a comedy sequence in a local talent play. We had great fun during, the practices and presentation of PAGE THE PRINCE. We had a million laughs, especially with this new found acquaintance, who had at the same time, a great sense of humor and still the ability to retain his dignity. A rare talent.
In the years which ensued, he became supervisor of the Town and as such, faced many critical situations, one coming when a big name band was to play the Town Hall where there were two pianos. The upright was for general banging about, but the grand piano was only for the finer concerts. The big band was at first told to use the upright but in his wisdom, the supervisor could see no reason why a man, talented enough to appear before the best audiences in the world, should not be considered worthy to use the grand piano.
He seemed to have few, if any, enemies. He ran for office with ease and grape and seemed to get elected with no sweat whatsoever. This led him to run for an office, which took him to Albany. Here he represented the citizens of our area with grace and respectability. He never refused to see a constituent who came to the State Capitol, nor did he ever turn a deaf ear to anyone who came to him with an idea of account. He introduced to the State legislature two bills at my request, so I know of what I speak.
Though he was never loud or vociferous, he nevertheless was fully cognizant of what was best for his area or for the State. He was not without the courage to vote for or against any bill, which was not to the best interests of his Town, State or Country.
He served in Albany for many years, a credit to him and the Town he represented. Then came the great turmoil. As a general rule, a politician must be hard as nails to withstand the rigors of a campaign, an election and his time in office, but vicissitude or dishonesty were never a part of his makeup. He trusted people and perhaps here he erred to some extent, because when the time
came that others sought to replace him, he could not conceive that anyone would do him injustice for he had never done injustice to anyone.
But the game of politics is never a game of backgammon or chess and his last campaign found him out of office because he had put his complete trust in some who were not eager to see him continue in office, for reasons of their own.
Now came the real test of a man. He took his defeat with a grace that even made new friends. His attitude was never one of bitterness or regret. He had lost and that was that. If he felt anything in his heart, it remained his own secret for he was every inch a man, a citizen and a loyal member of his party.
The election passed and then came the great push for centralization of the public schools. I cannot say what his feelings were on the subject but a remark he made after it was over, endeared me to him more than ever.
The occasion was one when I was telling two members of the school board that I had proof that some people had voted in the centralization question illegally. They were unqualified and should not have been allowed to vote. The two members of the then board suggested I should report the matter to the proper authorities.
Our friend, who was present, then spoke up and said, "What better authority would you want than two members of the board?" Consternation crossed the faces of the board members who looked at the man who had made the remark in a way that suggested they were asking "Say, who's side are you on, anyway". Nothing changed the attitude of our former representative. He never lost his composure and still retained his pleasant smile, but still followed the dictates of right. This sort of man does not appear on the horizon with frequency, and when one does arrive, he should be respected, revered and remembered. He should have been tendered a special banquet in his honor after his term in Albany had come to a close.
If he was not accorded the honor due him, the sin was not his but ours. It was the omission of the citizenry who forgot to remember the years he had served them. It was for them to retain their self-respect by affording a citizen the credit due him.
Deep in his heart, he must have known he had given the best in him and that his reward was the satisfaction of having been in a position to serve his fellowman. He had given of what talent he possessed, that we have a better community in which to live. He had no reason to hang his head but could and did, hold it high when with the permanent smile on his pleasant face, ALLAN SILL, straight and tall, WALKED INTO THE SETTING SUN.
Massena Observer
Tuesday, January 17, 1967
Allan P. Sill, 71, a beloved townsman and faithful and conscientious public servant, died in his sleep at about 6 o'clock this morning, February 11, 1957. His wife found him when she went to awaken him. He had been dead about an hour.
Mr. Sill had been in his usual health. He attended the session of the University of Life in Emmanuel Congregational Church Sunday night, watched television later in the evening, and retired at the usual hour. Since his retirement as assemblyman, he had spent each day at the offices of the Massena Savings and Loan Association. He was in good spirits.
Several years ago Mr. Sill suffered an attack while in Albany and was hospitalized for a time. As soon as he was able, he returned to his assembly duties, minimizing the seriousness of the attack.
Mr. Sill was born at Rodman, Jefferson County October 17, 1885, a son of Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Sill. The family moved to Watertown when he was young and the father conducted a hardware business in that city for many years.
He was graduated from Watertown High School and then attended Lehigh University at Bethlehem, PA for three years, studying electrical engineering. His first job was with Maryland Steel Company at Sparrows Point, MD. He came to Massena in 1915 and worked in the electrical department at the aluminum plant when A. L. Williams was in charge of that department.
Mr. Sill and Miss Irene Ball, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Ball, Massena were married June 24, 1916. That same year, Mr. Sill went into business with his father-in-law under the firm name of the Ball Coal Company.
Surviving are his wife; two daughters, Mrs. Albert (Martha) Wolstenholme and Mrs. Paul (Katherine) Nurnberger, both of Massena; seven grandchildren; two sisters, Miss Elizabeth Sill, New York City and Mrs. Kate Little, Westfield, NJ.
Massena Observer
Monday, February 11, 1957
OUR TOWN
By ANTHONY J. ROMEO
HE WALKED INTO THE SETTING SUN
There have been, many men arid women who have, left their mark even after they have passed on to the great beyond. One such man stands out in my mind because he was something more than just a citizen of OUR TOWN or merely a friend arid acquaintance.
Oddly enough, I first came to really know this man during the, rehearsals of a play called PAGE THE PRINCE which was put on by the then famous, JOHN B. ROGERS COMPANY. I was teamed up with the man I had known for, many years but never had had any personal contacts with him.
I had paid many coal bills in his office but only knew him as a man with a pleasant voice and a pleasing personality. Now, I was teamed with him in a comedy sequence in a local talent play. We had great fun during, the practices and presentation of PAGE THE PRINCE. We had a million laughs, especially with this new found acquaintance, who had at the same time, a great sense of humor and still the ability to retain his dignity. A rare talent.
In the years which ensued, he became supervisor of the Town and as such, faced many critical situations, one coming when a big name band was to play the Town Hall where there were two pianos. The upright was for general banging about, but the grand piano was only for the finer concerts. The big band was at first told to use the upright but in his wisdom, the supervisor could see no reason why a man, talented enough to appear before the best audiences in the world, should not be considered worthy to use the grand piano.
He seemed to have few, if any, enemies. He ran for office with ease and grape and seemed to get elected with no sweat whatsoever. This led him to run for an office, which took him to Albany. Here he represented the citizens of our area with grace and respectability. He never refused to see a constituent who came to the State Capitol, nor did he ever turn a deaf ear to anyone who came to him with an idea of account. He introduced to the State legislature two bills at my request, so I know of what I speak.
Though he was never loud or vociferous, he nevertheless was fully cognizant of what was best for his area or for the State. He was not without the courage to vote for or against any bill, which was not to the best interests of his Town, State or Country.
He served in Albany for many years, a credit to him and the Town he represented. Then came the great turmoil. As a general rule, a politician must be hard as nails to withstand the rigors of a campaign, an election and his time in office, but vicissitude or dishonesty were never a part of his makeup. He trusted people and perhaps here he erred to some extent, because when the time
came that others sought to replace him, he could not conceive that anyone would do him injustice for he had never done injustice to anyone.
But the game of politics is never a game of backgammon or chess and his last campaign found him out of office because he had put his complete trust in some who were not eager to see him continue in office, for reasons of their own.
Now came the real test of a man. He took his defeat with a grace that even made new friends. His attitude was never one of bitterness or regret. He had lost and that was that. If he felt anything in his heart, it remained his own secret for he was every inch a man, a citizen and a loyal member of his party.
The election passed and then came the great push for centralization of the public schools. I cannot say what his feelings were on the subject but a remark he made after it was over, endeared me to him more than ever.
The occasion was one when I was telling two members of the school board that I had proof that some people had voted in the centralization question illegally. They were unqualified and should not have been allowed to vote. The two members of the then board suggested I should report the matter to the proper authorities.
Our friend, who was present, then spoke up and said, "What better authority would you want than two members of the board?" Consternation crossed the faces of the board members who looked at the man who had made the remark in a way that suggested they were asking "Say, who's side are you on, anyway". Nothing changed the attitude of our former representative. He never lost his composure and still retained his pleasant smile, but still followed the dictates of right. This sort of man does not appear on the horizon with frequency, and when one does arrive, he should be respected, revered and remembered. He should have been tendered a special banquet in his honor after his term in Albany had come to a close.
If he was not accorded the honor due him, the sin was not his but ours. It was the omission of the citizenry who forgot to remember the years he had served them. It was for them to retain their self-respect by affording a citizen the credit due him.
Deep in his heart, he must have known he had given the best in him and that his reward was the satisfaction of having been in a position to serve his fellowman. He had given of what talent he possessed, that we have a better community in which to live. He had no reason to hang his head but could and did, hold it high when with the permanent smile on his pleasant face, ALLAN SILL, straight and tall, WALKED INTO THE SETTING SUN.
Massena Observer
Tuesday, January 17, 1967
Allan P. Sill, 71, Dies In Sleep at His Home; Assemblyman 16 Years
Allan P. Sill, 71, a beloved townsman and faithful and conscientious public servant, died in his sleep at about 6 o'clock this morning, February 11, 1957. His wife found him when she went to awaken him. He had been dead about an hour.
Mr. Sill had been in his usual health. He attended the session of the University of Life in Emmanuel Congregational Church Sunday night, watched television later in the evening, and retired at the usual hour. Since his retirement as assemblyman, he had spent each day at the offices of the Massena Savings and Loan Association. He was in good spirits.
Several years ago Mr. Sill suffered an attack while in Albany and was hospitalized for a time. As soon as he was able, he returned to his assembly duties, minimizing the seriousness of the attack.
Mr. Sill was born at Rodman, Jefferson County October 17, 1885, a son of Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Sill. The family moved to Watertown when he was young and the father conducted a hardware business in that city for many years.
He was graduated from Watertown High School and then attended Lehigh University at Bethlehem, PA for three years, studying electrical engineering. His first job was with Maryland Steel Company at Sparrows Point, MD. He came to Massena in 1915 and worked in the electrical department at the aluminum plant when A. L. Williams was in charge of that department.
Mr. Sill and Miss Irene Ball, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Ball, Massena were married June 24, 1916. That same year, Mr. Sill went into business with his father-in-law under the firm name of the Ball Coal Company.
Surviving are his wife; two daughters, Mrs. Albert (Martha) Wolstenholme and Mrs. Paul (Katherine) Nurnberger, both of Massena; seven grandchildren; two sisters, Miss Elizabeth Sill, New York City and Mrs. Kate Little, Westfield, NJ.
Massena Observer
Monday, February 11, 1957
OUR TOWN
By ANTHONY J. ROMEO
HE WALKED INTO THE SETTING SUN
There have been, many men arid women who have, left their mark even after they have passed on to the great beyond. One such man stands out in my mind because he was something more than just a citizen of OUR TOWN or merely a friend arid acquaintance.
Oddly enough, I first came to really know this man during the, rehearsals of a play called PAGE THE PRINCE which was put on by the then famous, JOHN B. ROGERS COMPANY. I was teamed up with the man I had known for, many years but never had had any personal contacts with him.
I had paid many coal bills in his office but only knew him as a man with a pleasant voice and a pleasing personality. Now, I was teamed with him in a comedy sequence in a local talent play. We had great fun during, the practices and presentation of PAGE THE PRINCE. We had a million laughs, especially with this new found acquaintance, who had at the same time, a great sense of humor and still the ability to retain his dignity. A rare talent.
In the years which ensued, he became supervisor of the Town and as such, faced many critical situations, one coming when a big name band was to play the Town Hall where there were two pianos. The upright was for general banging about, but the grand piano was only for the finer concerts. The big band was at first told to use the upright but in his wisdom, the supervisor could see no reason why a man, talented enough to appear before the best audiences in the world, should not be considered worthy to use the grand piano.
He seemed to have few, if any, enemies. He ran for office with ease and grape and seemed to get elected with no sweat whatsoever. This led him to run for an office, which took him to Albany. Here he represented the citizens of our area with grace and respectability. He never refused to see a constituent who came to the State Capitol, nor did he ever turn a deaf ear to anyone who came to him with an idea of account. He introduced to the State legislature two bills at my request, so I know of what I speak.
Though he was never loud or vociferous, he nevertheless was fully cognizant of what was best for his area or for the State. He was not without the courage to vote for or against any bill, which was not to the best interests of his Town, State or Country.
He served in Albany for many years, a credit to him and the Town he represented. Then came the great turmoil. As a general rule, a politician must be hard as nails to withstand the rigors of a campaign, an election and his time in office, but vicissitude or dishonesty were never a part of his makeup. He trusted people and perhaps here he erred to some extent, because when the time
came that others sought to replace him, he could not conceive that anyone would do him injustice for he had never done injustice to anyone.
But the game of politics is never a game of backgammon or chess and his last campaign found him out of office because he had put his complete trust in some who were not eager to see him continue in office, for reasons of their own.
Now came the real test of a man. He took his defeat with a grace that even made new friends. His attitude was never one of bitterness or regret. He had lost and that was that. If he felt anything in his heart, it remained his own secret for he was every inch a man, a citizen and a loyal member of his party.
The election passed and then came the great push for centralization of the public schools. I cannot say what his feelings were on the subject but a remark he made after it was over, endeared me to him more than ever.
The occasion was one when I was telling two members of the school board that I had proof that some people had voted in the centralization question illegally. They were unqualified and should not have been allowed to vote. The two members of the then board suggested I should report the matter to the proper authorities.
Our friend, who was present, then spoke up and said, "What better authority would you want than two members of the board?" Consternation crossed the faces of the board members who looked at the man who had made the remark in a way that suggested they were asking "Say, who's side are you on, anyway". Nothing changed the attitude of our former representative. He never lost his composure and still retained his pleasant smile, but still followed the dictates of right. This sort of man does not appear on the horizon with frequency, and when one does arrive, he should be respected, revered and remembered. He should have been tendered a special banquet in his honor after his term in Albany had come to a close.
If he was not accorded the honor due him, the sin was not his but ours. It was the omission of the citizenry who forgot to remember the years he had served them. It was for them to retain their self-respect by affording a citizen the credit due him.
Deep in his heart, he must have known he had given the best in him and that his reward was the satisfaction of having been in a position to serve his fellowman. He had given of what talent he possessed, that we have a better community in which to live. He had no reason to hang his head but could and did, hold it high when with the permanent smile on his pleasant face, ALLAN SILL, straight and tall, WALKED INTO THE SETTING SUN.
Massena Observer
Tuesday, January 17, 1967
Allan P. Sill, 71, a beloved townsman and faithful and conscientious public servant, died in his sleep at about 6 o'clock this morning, February 11, 1957. His wife found him when she went to awaken him. He had been dead about an hour.
Mr. Sill had been in his usual health. He attended the session of the University of Life in Emmanuel Congregational Church Sunday night, watched television later in the evening, and retired at the usual hour. Since his retirement as assemblyman, he had spent each day at the offices of the Massena Savings and Loan Association. He was in good spirits.
Several years ago Mr. Sill suffered an attack while in Albany and was hospitalized for a time. As soon as he was able, he returned to his assembly duties, minimizing the seriousness of the attack.
Mr. Sill was born at Rodman, Jefferson County October 17, 1885, a son of Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Sill. The family moved to Watertown when he was young and the father conducted a hardware business in that city for many years.
He was graduated from Watertown High School and then attended Lehigh University at Bethlehem, PA for three years, studying electrical engineering. His first job was with Maryland Steel Company at Sparrows Point, MD. He came to Massena in 1915 and worked in the electrical department at the aluminum plant when A. L. Williams was in charge of that department.
Mr. Sill and Miss Irene Ball, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Ball, Massena were married June 24, 1916. That same year, Mr. Sill went into business with his father-in-law under the firm name of the Ball Coal Company.
Surviving are his wife; two daughters, Mrs. Albert (Martha) Wolstenholme and Mrs. Paul (Katherine) Nurnberger, both of Massena; seven grandchildren; two sisters, Miss Elizabeth Sill, New York City and Mrs. Kate Little, Westfield, NJ.
Massena Observer
Monday, February 11, 1957
OUR TOWN
By ANTHONY J. ROMEO
HE WALKED INTO THE SETTING SUN
There have been, many men arid women who have, left their mark even after they have passed on to the great beyond. One such man stands out in my mind because he was something more than just a citizen of OUR TOWN or merely a friend arid acquaintance.
Oddly enough, I first came to really know this man during the, rehearsals of a play called PAGE THE PRINCE which was put on by the then famous, JOHN B. ROGERS COMPANY. I was teamed up with the man I had known for, many years but never had had any personal contacts with him.
I had paid many coal bills in his office but only knew him as a man with a pleasant voice and a pleasing personality. Now, I was teamed with him in a comedy sequence in a local talent play. We had great fun during, the practices and presentation of PAGE THE PRINCE. We had a million laughs, especially with this new found acquaintance, who had at the same time, a great sense of humor and still the ability to retain his dignity. A rare talent.
In the years which ensued, he became supervisor of the Town and as such, faced many critical situations, one coming when a big name band was to play the Town Hall where there were two pianos. The upright was for general banging about, but the grand piano was only for the finer concerts. The big band was at first told to use the upright but in his wisdom, the supervisor could see no reason why a man, talented enough to appear before the best audiences in the world, should not be considered worthy to use the grand piano.
He seemed to have few, if any, enemies. He ran for office with ease and grape and seemed to get elected with no sweat whatsoever. This led him to run for an office, which took him to Albany. Here he represented the citizens of our area with grace and respectability. He never refused to see a constituent who came to the State Capitol, nor did he ever turn a deaf ear to anyone who came to him with an idea of account. He introduced to the State legislature two bills at my request, so I know of what I speak.
Though he was never loud or vociferous, he nevertheless was fully cognizant of what was best for his area or for the State. He was not without the courage to vote for or against any bill, which was not to the best interests of his Town, State or Country.
He served in Albany for many years, a credit to him and the Town he represented. Then came the great turmoil. As a general rule, a politician must be hard as nails to withstand the rigors of a campaign, an election and his time in office, but vicissitude or dishonesty were never a part of his makeup. He trusted people and perhaps here he erred to some extent, because when the time
came that others sought to replace him, he could not conceive that anyone would do him injustice for he had never done injustice to anyone.
But the game of politics is never a game of backgammon or chess and his last campaign found him out of office because he had put his complete trust in some who were not eager to see him continue in office, for reasons of their own.
Now came the real test of a man. He took his defeat with a grace that even made new friends. His attitude was never one of bitterness or regret. He had lost and that was that. If he felt anything in his heart, it remained his own secret for he was every inch a man, a citizen and a loyal member of his party.
The election passed and then came the great push for centralization of the public schools. I cannot say what his feelings were on the subject but a remark he made after it was over, endeared me to him more than ever.
The occasion was one when I was telling two members of the school board that I had proof that some people had voted in the centralization question illegally. They were unqualified and should not have been allowed to vote. The two members of the then board suggested I should report the matter to the proper authorities.
Our friend, who was present, then spoke up and said, "What better authority would you want than two members of the board?" Consternation crossed the faces of the board members who looked at the man who had made the remark in a way that suggested they were asking "Say, who's side are you on, anyway". Nothing changed the attitude of our former representative. He never lost his composure and still retained his pleasant smile, but still followed the dictates of right. This sort of man does not appear on the horizon with frequency, and when one does arrive, he should be respected, revered and remembered. He should have been tendered a special banquet in his honor after his term in Albany had come to a close.
If he was not accorded the honor due him, the sin was not his but ours. It was the omission of the citizenry who forgot to remember the years he had served them. It was for them to retain their self-respect by affording a citizen the credit due him.
Deep in his heart, he must have known he had given the best in him and that his reward was the satisfaction of having been in a position to serve his fellowman. He had given of what talent he possessed, that we have a better community in which to live. He had no reason to hang his head but could and did, hold it high when with the permanent smile on his pleasant face, ALLAN SILL, straight and tall, WALKED INTO THE SETTING SUN.
Massena Observer
Tuesday, January 17, 1967
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