The Binghamton Press
Thursday, May 6, 1909
Photo Credit: Joe Danvers
(January 2021)
Death of S. Mills Ely (Wednesday, May 5th, 1909)
Binghamton Loses Citizen Whose Devotion to Principle Was Most Prominent
GAVE TO MANY CHARITIES
Contributed to Several Libraries, and Recently Gave Ely Park to the City
S. Mills Ely, whose serious illness for some weeks past has been a matter of deep concern throughout the city, died mast night at his residence on Henry Street. The end came at 9:40 o’clock. Just two weeks before, at the same hour, Mr. Ely was taken aboard the private car in which he was brought from his Winter home in Maitland, Florida, in the hope that the more invigorating northern atmosphere might make possible a recovery which seemed impossible in the South.
The Binghamton Press
Thursday, May 6, 1909
Photo Credit: Joe Danvers
(January 2021)
Mr. Ely’s death removes a man whose long and successful business career was unmarred by any suggestion of unfairness and whose charities were widespread and wisely bestowed. In writing of his character an intimate friend of the family said:
“To speak of his character is hardly necessary in this community, where his life was an open book, known and read by all, and his inherent modesty and simplicity forbid any words of fulsome praise. But truth compels the notice of a detailed thoughtfulness and a most unusual grasp not only in business matters, but in every path of friendship and benevolence, with a generosity as constant as the calls made on it. Still, after all, the deep interest and devotion of his life, after his family, was in his church to which he unceasingly gave of his means, his time, and his prayers.”
The Binghamton Press
Thursday, May 6, 1909
Photo Credit: Joe Danvers
(January 2021)
Mr. Ely was born in Chester, Connecticut of English ancestry, in October, 1837, and came to Binghamton, where his life has since been spent, 15 years later. His first employment was with Charles McKinney, in a general store, and later in the coal business. With S. McKinney and E.P. McKinney, he formed a partnership in the grocery business, withdrawing in 1873 to establish the wholesale grocery house which continues. The partnership with E. F. Leighton, which continued unbroken until last October, was formed in 1876.
True to Principle.
His business was conducted with absolute conscientiousness and absolute devotion to what he thought was right. Mr. Ely did not use, or believe in the use of tobacco, and the firm of S. Mills Ely & Co., considering principle before profit, never has carried or sold tobacco, or smokers’ supplies, though this is an important and very profitable line with all wholesale grocers. Persons familiar with the trade do not recall another wholesale grocery house which does not carry tobacco.
The Binghamton Press
Thursday, May 6, 1909
Photo Credit: Joe Danvers
(January 2021)
Mr. Ely was a Senior Elder at the First Presbyterian Church. He united with the church during the pastorate of Dr. Goodrich, and was for many years an officer of the church, being deacon for some time, and an elder for the last 30 years. Aside for his liberal support of the church, Mr. Ely has bestowed many charities, which he administered with the sagacity of a man of affairs, tempered with a tenderness which led him to conceal even from his most intimate associates his activities in this direction.
Many Charities.
Among other charities with which, because of their public nature his connection was known, Mr. Ely gave liberally of his time and money to the Fresh Air Fund, and always entertained a dozen city children during the Summer at Mount Prospect. He was treasurer of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and, when the new Y.M.C.A was being canvassed, he was one of the most energetic supporters of the project.
Mr. Ely gave a library to his native town of Chester, Connecticut, and contributed liberally for a library in Port Dickerson. In Maitland, Florida where he had an orange grove and Winter home, Mr. Ely and another gentleman made possible the erection of a fine library.
Soon after he embarked in business for himself 32 years ago, Mr. Ely began to acquire property on Mount Prospect, After the B. Fay Mills revival meetings 15 years ago, he bought the lumber with which the tabernacle, in which the meetings were held, had been constructed, and used this to erect Ely Tower on Mount Prospect as a memorial of the religious revival. His recent gift to the city of Ely Park, comprising 140 acres on the summit of Mount Prospect, is a recent evidence of his public spirit. The only public office that Mr. Ely held was that of school commissioner, which he held for three years.
Mr. Ely was married in October, 1867 to Miss Mary Hawley, who died last December. Surviving are a sister and a daughter.
Before his death Mr. Ely requested that his funeral services be simple, and in deference to his wishes, the family requests that friends omit moral tributes. Services will be held at the house tomorrow afternoon and Fr. Lawrence of the First Presbyterian Church will officiate.
At the meeting this afternoon, the employed officers of the Young Men’s Christian Association of the State of New York, in conference assembled at Binghamton, would unanimously record the profound impression by the life of of the late S. Mills Ely. His deep appreciation for the needs of men, his faith in our Heavenly Father, his confidence in his fellow citizens, his courage, and his consecration, made him a leader in establishing a work in Binghamton which can not fail at being most effective at elevating the young manhood of the community.
“The work of Mr. Ely in the encouragement and support of efforts in behalf of young men has been felt beyond Binghamton and has been an inspiration to the Association throughout the State and the Nation.
“We unite with the city of Binghamton in mourning the departure of this useful citizen, with the churches and the Young Men’s Christian Association in the loss of this earnest follower of the Master, and we deeply sympathize with his family at this time of sorrow.
(Signed)
“Frank G. Banister, John W. Cook, Herbert P. Lansdale”
“Committee.”
ALL PHOTO CREDIT:
The Binghamton Press
Thursday, May 6, 1909
Photo Credit: Joe Danvers
(January 2021)
Obituary Transcript by Andy Reistetter
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