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Taunton Courier. Bristol and Exeter Journal, and Western Advertiser. Wednesday 10 Jul 1901
Page 5 Column 5
DEATH OF THE FIRST MAYOR OF TAUNTON.
MR. MYER JACOBS.
Mr. Myer JACOBS, whose death we regret to record, passed away after a long illness, on Tuesday afternoon, at his residence, Mansfield House, Taunton. The deceased gentleman was about 75 years of age, and some time before his death it was known to Dr. Edward LIDDON, his medical attendant, that his end could not be far off. Mr. JACOBS made his last public appearance at a meeting held in the Municipal Hall about 18 months ago in support of the Taunton Corporation Bill, and on that occasion he spoke warmly in favour of the measure.
Mr. Myer JACOBS will probably best be remembered as being mainly instrumental in securing the re-incorporation of the borough of Taunton in 1877, previous charters having been taken away or allowed to lapse. For his efforts and services in this direction he was chosen as the first Mayor of the borough in modern times. As a further compliment to him he was re-elected to the office. The progressive movement, which has fortunately found public favour in the town, may be said to have commenced from that time. It may safely be assumed, from what old inhabitants tell one on the subject, that Taunton about 30 years ago had not very much to boast of in the way of improvements. These, however, have since come, thanks to the public-spirited progressive policy which the Town Council as a body have displayed, until the town is now one to feel proud of, and strangers on seeing it for the first time are not slow in their appreciation of what they observe in the county town of Somerset. This go-ahead spirit first began to display itself after getting back the charter.
Mr. JACOBS was not a native of Taunton, but came to the town about 35 years ago. He embarked in business here latterly in the house-furnishing line, his premises being in Fore-street. He was, by birth and religion, a Jew, and, like so many of his race, was fond of launching out in various speculations. He was a keen man of business, and almost every enterprise he took up seemed to turn to gold. While he strictly adhered to his ancient religion, he was a man of catholic views, and, as Mayor, was wont to attend both Anglican churches and Nonconformist places of worship on special occasions. From the outset he took a keen and active interest in all public local affairs, and was considered to be a very generous man. He specially interested himself in the Volunteer movement in the town and county, and gave prizes in shooting competitions. He was one of the promoters of the Taunton Dramatic Society, and frequently took part in the performances himself. In the progress of the Taunton Floral and Horticulture Society he also envinced a keen interest, and when prizes were offered for the best decorations in the town on Flower Show-day he always made a point of competing by decorating and illuminating his business premises. Being very fond of flowers himself, he liked to see others enjoy them, and on several occasions he threw open his beautiful grounds at Mansfield House to the public on Sunday afternoons. His wife pre-deceased him some years ago, and he had no family. He retired from business, a very wealthy man, about 20 years ago, and of late his sight failed him. Since then he had lived in comparative seclusion at his residence.
THE FUNERAL.
The funeral took place on Friday afternoon at St. Mary's Cemetery, Taunton. The Mayor and Corporation attended in state, and a number of Freemasons were also present at the funeral. The cortege left Mansfield House, the residence of the deceased, at three o'clock, the hearse being followed by a long line of carriages. The coffin, of unpolished oa, with black mountings, was conveyed in a glass-panelled car, and on the breastplate was the following inscription:-
MYER JACOBS;
Died July 2nd, 1901;
Aged 74 years.
The coffin was covered with lovely wreaths, attached to which were cards bearing the following inscriptions:- “In loving memory, from Mr. and Mrs. MITCHELL and family;” “In affectionate memory, Harry and Pat;” “Mr. and Mrs. Henry CORNER, Holly Lodge, Taunton;” “With deepest sympathy, from Maria, Annie, and Rose;” “In affectionate memory, from Gus and family;” “In fond remembrance, from Kate JACOBS and family, Shrewsbury;” “In kindest remembrance, from Mrs. P. TAYLOR.”
The chief mourners were Mr. S. JACOBS, of London, brother; Mr. Percy MITCHELL and Mr. George MITCHELL, of Shrewsbury, nephews; Dr. Dan JAY, of London, nephew; Mr. Hardy JACOBS, of London, and Mr. Jack JACOBS, of Shrewsbury, nephews; with Miss Maria GARLAND and Miss Annie PUGSLEY, servants at Mansfield House.
Both the Mayor (Councillor W. A. WRENN) and the ex-Mayor (Alderman W. GOODLAND) wore their robes of office, and they were preceded (?) the mace-bearer, carrying the silver mace of the Corporation, which was draped with black. The other members of the Corporation present were Alderman W. LOCK, Councillors H. J. VAN TRUMP, W. T. WEBB, A. E. PERKINS, J. G. VILE, J. P. SIBLEY, W. H. WESTLAKE, A. J. SPILLER, and J. STANDFAST. The Town Clerk (Mr. G. H. KITE) and the Borough Surveyor (Mr. J. H. SMITH) were also present.
Lodge “Unanimity and Sincerity” was represent by Bros. G. C. STRAWBRIDGE, P.M.; Arthur STEEVENS, P.M.; Howard MAYNARD, P.M.; and H. FRANKLIN.
There were also present Messrs. H. CORNER, Wm. POOLE, S. FARRANT, D. BROWN, C. J. GOODLAND, G. H. GREGORY, W. WATERMAN, S. LAWRENCE, Clement SMITH, J. LARKIN, and others.
Dr. Edwin LIDDON sent his carriage.
The Rev. J. WORTHINGTON, Unitarian minister, officiated, in the absence of a Jewish Rabbi, and the first portion of the service was held in the Norconformist Chapel. Mr. WORTHINGTON had compiled a special form of service for the occasion in keeping with the tenents of the Hebrew religion. During the service the rev. gentleman gave an impressive address, in the course of which he said: Our neighbour, Myer JACOBS, so familiar a figure in the streets of Taunton till failure of eyesight, and the after-time of a serious illness, rendered his movings to and fro the more occasional, had attained the ripe age of 74 years. His mortal frame we will lay to its rest amidst the summer's sunshine, with summer's flowers, which he loved so well, scenting the air. His immortal spirit we will solemnly commit to the All-Father's tender keeping. “The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” His love for the town of his adoption was, as we all know, especially manifested when he took a most prominent part in bringing about the re-incorporation of the borough nearly a quarter of a century ago. He was called upon to meet with strong opposition. But he lived, happily, to see the outcome of his strenuous and successful efforts in the forward position occupied by the Taunton of to-day. His last public appearance, indeed, was to help on a movement which he believed would contribute to yet further prosperity. It is fitting that the present chief borough magistrate, supported by the members of the Corporation and prominent townsmen, should, by their presence now, bear public tribute of honour as they remember the man who was the first modern Mayor of the town, and who for three years occupied that honourable office. One word more. The great majority of us profess a faith, very dear and very sacred to us, which was not professed by him whose outward form we miss to-day. But he belonged to that ancient people admidst whom our Christianity was cradled, a people whose Scriptures and beliefs set forth the very principles that lie behind the eternal truths, the pieties, and charities of life. Our neighbour was broad-minded and large-hearted. Herein let us take example, moving bravely on, till we, too, shall be summoned to the Judgement Seat.
The interment took place in consecrated ground near the grave of the deceased's gentleman's old friend, the late Mr. Peter TAYLOR.
Several of the wreaths were supplied by Messrs. W. E. & T. COUSINS, of North-street.