Bert Hoar Terwilliger (1874-1944)

Married to Florence May Tone (1871-1943).

The archives include three very detailed obituaries. Here's one.

B. H. TERWILLIGER

Prominent Citizen, Dies on Saturday

(Reprint from THE ELLENVILLE JOURNAL of June 29, 1944)

Bert H. Terwilliger of the Terwilliger Agency, whose father and whose father before him were natives of Ellenville both by birth and by choice died at the Kingston Hospital shortly after 1 o'clock on Saturday atternoon. June 24, following an Iliness of about a month''s duration.

Born in Ellenville. May 21, 1874. the son of Uriah E. Terwilliger, well known real estate and insurance man and Alice A. Hoar Terwilliger, Mr. Terwilliger was known non only in this State but through the East as an insurance man of unusual acumen and ability. A graduate of Elenville High School. class of 1891. he later attended Worcester Academy at Worcester, Mass. For many years be was associated with his father in the conduct of Mt. Meenahga, long time well known summer guest house on the Shawangunk Mountain, and later, on his father's retirement in 1914 continued the business until 1922 when he disposed or the property. Bert H. Terwilliger made widespread acquaintances with many men whose names were nationally known during the years at Meenahga. He also succeede his father in the old established real estate and insurance business, later associaung with him, Frank H. Sprague, the surviving member of the firm.

Even as his many friends and acquaintances grieve at the loss of Mr. Terwilliger, they are recalling with a smile one or anotner or his amusing anecdotes, which he wond consider their greatest tribute. A man of unusual ability and outstanding character, for many years everything that was worthwhile for the village had his support and backing. Always ready to help, he seemed to anticipate a persons needs almost berore they did, and was always there do something about it. Tolerance and a vivid understanding of racial inequalities with the ability to look at all sides or a situation made his avice or immeasuable value. Whether the problem was a large business one or a small personal problem, he considered it a privilege to lend a hand. Most commendable of all his qualities, perhaps, was his modesty. No one ever heard him mention his many good deeds.

It was typical of the man that very few people addressed him as Mr. Terwilliger. It was either "B. H.", or "Bert", "Mr. Bert" or "Boss". Called many things by many men, he called himself the "Rev. B. H. T." and delighted in the confusion he would cause when ne announced himself in that manner over the telephone. He always got better service that way.

Bert H. often spoke of the daily round and the common task and they furnished all he asked. Every day he was at his desk (which, incidentally, was the first desk to come to Ellenville). He was glad that so many came to see him each day and it is safe to say that each one went away with a piece of good advice or a new joke or another or his witticisms to pass on to some one else's appreciative ear.

It is fitting that he was in his office the day he became ill. In the middle of the morning he was stricken with what seemed a slight ailment and he left for what he expected to be just a short time. The last thing that happened before he left his office was an act of kindness. The people who had bought Mt. Meenahga called to say they wished to make a contribution to the hospital in memory of his wife who preceded him in death on Dec. 27 1943. It seems appropriate that he who had disseminated so much kindness from his desk should receive a kindly gesture during his last few minutes there.

Although not a conceited man he did have an air of assurance which usualv goes with man who is aware of what be is doing. Like all men he did have his harmless vanities-- his roses and his Cadillac. From early June to October or November • there was a rose in his lapel and many in his office, placed there for the explicit purpose of evoking admiration. In the same way he loved his Cadillac, loved to ease along slightly to the left of center, while he smoked his ever-presen rigar. To him walking was an abomination or the devil so he got himself the best possible means of transportation

Of course. he had his taults. If vou weren't aware of them it was not through anv reticence on his part, for he was as willing to speak of his own failings as he was of his neighbors. This was all part of a frank and open character.

For a long time people will recall with gratitude the kindly, generous man who had so much humanity in him. If they also remember him with a smile in their hearts. it will be as be would have wished it.

Mr. Terwilliger was a member of Wawarsing Lodge, No. 582, F. & A. M. director of the First National Bank & Trust Co. of Ellenville, and a trustee of the Ellenville Savings Bank. He was a speaker of natural eloquence and ability and although not so active in these lines in later years, had frequently been in demand as a toastmaster at banquets and similar affairs.

The body was taken in charge by Wood & Lambert and tuner services were held trom the late home, 23 Center St., at 2:30 P. M., Tuesdav. The Rev. Altred Coons. pastor the Margaretville Church and an old friend of the deceased. officiated. Interment was in the family plot in Rantinekill Cemetery.

[...]

The deceased is survived by a daughter, Miss Katherine Terwilliger, at home, and aunt. Miss Catherine Hoar, of 256 Washington Ave., Kingston.

• Parents:
• Spouse: Florence May Tone (1871-1943)
• Siblings: Alice L. Terwilliger (1872-)
• Children: Robert S. Terwilliger (1903-1934), Katharine T. Terwilliger (1907-1994)