An Appreciation of Colonel Stanley Plummer Sprague's Journal of Maine History VII NOV. DEC. 1919, JAN. 1920 No. 3 pages 133-135 An Appreciation of Colonel Stanley Plummer (By Senator Bert M. Fernald.) I esteem the privilege afforded me to offer my tribute of love and respect to the memory of Colonel Stanley Plummer of Dexter, Maine. I knew him well. I had for him such deep affection, such keen appreciation, that I feel I can speak of him with knowledge and with justice. He was true and loyal. His friendship once given, ably and faithfully he fulfilled its demands. And is with a feeling of great personal loss that I trace, briefly, the history of his career. Stanley Plummer was born in Sangerville, Maine, February 25, 1846. He attended the Dexter public schools, and entered Bow- doin College in 1863. After graduation he studied at Albany Law School and began the practice of law in Bangor in 1872. In 1874 he went to Washington, and from 1880 to 1894 was Postmaster of the United States Senate. He was a member of Govern Bur- leigh's military staff, and from 1899 to 1903 was State Senator. In 1903 he married Miss Elizabeth Burbank, of Boston, who sur- vives him. He died at Atlantic City, February 12, 1919. So much for mere fact and dates -- but how inadequate to express a man with the noblest impulses and with a heart as warm and true as ever beat within the human breast. At a casual meeting his general bearing was aristocratic and aloof; but when you knew him well, you found Stanley Plummer genial, generous and lovable. He was well-equipped for the duties of a statesman. He was a ready debater, a good impromptu speaker, and an orator of unusual ability. His voice would immediately appeal to his audience. Everyone would be impressed with the careful preparation and the through knowledge which marked his speech, and what he said would be accepted as truth without question. He had a large circle of acquaintances in both public an private life. His scrupulous honesty and his unswerving integrity won for him a host of friends. He was the confidant of such men as Blaine and Hannibal Hamlin. His position as Postmaster of the US Senate also brought him in close touch with the Senators and with all public and national affairs. His state recognized his worth and sought him for office. His name was mentioned as candidate for Governor. But, modest as always, he felt he did not care to make the effort necessary to secure the nomination; and although he would have made Maine an able executive, Colonel Plummer would not give the matter considera- tion. In the State Legislature, however, he could always be depended upon. He was open and brave. His vision was broad and his decision wise. More than half century ago he was urging upon our Maine Legislature adoption of the suffrage amendment. At last it has been accomplished. And my satisfaction is tinged with regret that the victory did not come in his lifetime. He asserted his convictions with courage and frankness and with purity of purpose. In this connection I recall most pleasantly a little incident which aptly illustrates his generous sprit and his fine sense of fairness and fitness. In the Maine Legislature in 1901 Senator Frye's name was to be presented by Colonel Plummer (who was twelve years my senior) and I was to second the nomination. A few days in advance, however, Mr. Plummer came to me and said he felt that inasmuch as Senator Frye and I were from the same county, I ought to present the name and he would second it. A little thing -- but typical of the thorough gentleman I always found him. Our close personal friendship ripened and intensified with each passing year and continued throughout his life. Often have I been a guest in his home and always received a most gracious welcome. I was favored to see and to know him intimately and to value his sterling qualities. Though retiring and reserved, he love his fel- low men; and in the warmth of his own fireside he became the genial, expansive, entertaining host. His home life was ideal. He and his wife were exceptionally companionable. Theirs was a spiritual union and a loving devotion seldom equaled. Together husband and wife discussed the ques- tions of the day, of national and international importance; and in Mrs. Plummer he found a sympathy and an understanding and a response that is as enviable as it is rare. At his death he left her the sole executrix of his estate. And it seems particularly appropriate that the home which afforded them so much comfort and happiness should now, through his generosity and in honor of his father and mother, be made a memorial hos- pital affording comfort and relief to humanity. Although he never paraded his religion, Colonel Plummer was full of reverence and he lived a Christian life. He sent forth his quiet influence; he left his message to the world; he was beloved by all who knew him. I shall ever hold in high esteem the memory of this friend whose nobility of character will be an inspiration and whose life is worthy of emulation. (c) 1998 Courtesy of the Androscoggin Historical Society ************************************************* * * * * NOTICE: Printing the files within by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged, as long as all notices and submitter information is included. Any other use, including copying files to other sites requires permission from the submitters PRIOR to uploading to any other sites. 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