Walter S. Taylor Obituary

New Ipswich Selectman

December 11, 1971

Obituary delivered by William A. Taylor

Grandpa, as he is known to most of us. I think of his full and wonderful life as a complete cycle-a legend dating back to 1873 - almost 100 years. 

   Born and raised in New Ipswich, and in his early years embarked upon a career highlighted by some of the following statistics: Beginning in 1900 he served this community as a Selectman for over 50 years, simultaneously acting as Overseer of the Poor. How many stories I remember, several of which involve his dear friends and fellow Selectmen Robert Walker and David Rogers. How often members of needy families came to him for help were never refused, even if it meant reaching into his own pocket.

   Formed the original Electric Light Department and served as a Commissioner for over 30 years. Retired as an Honorary Trustee of Appleton Academy where he received his high school education, after serving as a member of its Board for over 25 years. 

   Served in the General Court of our State Legislature during most of the 1920's. 

   One of his greatest interests all of his mature life, was the Mason Village Savings Bank where he served in many capacities such as Corporator, Trustee, Member of the Finance Committee retiring as one of its Vice Presidents. 

   With all due credit, my Dad was the original founder of Tricnit in the early 1940's and after two years of operation in Greenville, the combination of Grandpa's interest in saving the then vacant building which we presently occupy and helping with a needed expansion, he joined the company, serving as its first President until 1965. 

   In 1947 he was awarded a Certificate of Merit by the President and Congress of the United States for his participation in the Selective Service System during World War II. 

   Now to what was truly the greatest factor in this man's full and wonderful life. On an October day in 1896, in the large brick house beside the Masonic building in the center village, he married Anne Francis Chandler with whom he lived happily for nearly 70 years.

   They went on to have three wonderful children, Arthur Stephen, Grace Debra and Philip Chandler. He has 9 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. He often spoke of his greatest blessings -- beginning with his wife and family.

   People who cared for him in his later years Irja Kollapakka, Grammy Wheeler Strange thing about this man he seemed to have a knack for instilling a love in those people who were around him. 

   Loved by most, respected by all, he was a man of character, short of patience, hard working, aggressive, determined and a Yankee Trader in the truest sense of the word. I think it fair to estimate that at one time or another he has owned most of the properties in New Ipswich as could be vouched for by Title Searcher John Preston and Attorney Bob Taft. 

    Story of the Finnish people It is interesting to note his grandfather Stephen Thayer came to New Ipswich from Keene (where Grandpa passed away) in approximately 1837 while in his early 20's. Married Joanna Pond. They first lived in the home where my grandfather was born, namely the Joe Burton residence and had 5 daughters. During this period he was building the home in which my grandfather lived and went to have 5 sons one of which was my grandfather's father Samuel. These two men are buried in a lot in the same vicinity of my grandfather's resting place. I feel my son Philip has quite a heritage being the sixth generation of Thayers in this community. 

It is fitting that Grandpa should pass away in December, the month in which he was born for it was in the Christmas spirit that he lived always giving, always sharing 

     Oh beautiful for spacious skies, for 
         amber waves of grain 
    For purple mountain's majesty above 
          the fruited plains 
     America, America, God shed His 
            grace of thee 
      And crown thy good with 
             brotherhood From sea to
      mighty sea.

May his soul join those of his many friends and loved ones gone on before him. May his spirit live forever.

Walter S. Thayer - seated

Philip Thayer with tie, Walter S. Thayer seated, Ken Tompkins with his son Ben. Photo taken circa 1970.

Formulas

Stephen A. Thayer’s “One Hundred Formulas” was published in 1883. It contains recipes from everything from printing ink to pain killers. Hydrochloric acid will take care of your disinfecting needs.

James Roger diary entry

December 23, 1908 (Wednesday)

Hard frost 20 degrees wind NE to N.  David logging for Shirland at Jowder’s.  Got box from Hingham and letters from Hamish.  Cards from E. Preston and Miss Palmer.  I went to Phelp’s and got my Artic’s.  Mr. & Mrs. Peacock called at Grange last night 15 were present, rehearsal of degrees.