Former County Judge Colony Dies Suddenly
This community was shocked to learn of the sudden death of Judge Don A. Colony, which occurred here Sunday morning, February 19, 1950 at 10 o'clock at his home. Although he had been ill for about two weeks, it was not realized that his condition was critical and the news of his passing was unexpected by the wide circle of his friends and acquaintances here and throughout Oswego county.
Judge Colony, who was an influential figure in professional and political circles in Northern New York, retired in 1944 because of the age limit set on his office, having served for 16 years as county judge, from 1929 to 1944. Previously he served as district attorney, having been elected to that position in 1921 and holding it until the fall of 1928.
Judge Colony had also been assistant district attorney and children's court judge. It was during his term of office that the Oswego county judge was first given jurisdiction of murder cases.
Was Lifelong Resident Here
He was a lifelong resident of Sandy Creek, having been born here October 7, 1874, the only son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Colony. His father was a well known business man here, conducting a plumbing and hardware business, and was active in the Sandy Creek Fair association. The son was graduated from Sandy Creek High school in 1894 and then taught school for five terms, part of the time in Ellisburg, and also in the Woodruff district. He studied law with Attorney H.L. Wallace in the Ainsworth law office and March 1, 1899 was admitted to the bar, after which he began practicing law in Lacona.
In 1902 Judge Colony was first elected to public office, being elected as town clerk of Sandy Creek; a position he held through 1905. In 1906 he became assistant district attorney, holding this office for 15 years, then became district attorney in 1922. After seven years in the latter office he resigned in 1928 to accept the nomination and election to the office of county judge, which office he most ably and efficiently filled.
Active in Public Service
In addition to his duties as a county official, the judge served on the board of Education of Sandy Creek High school for more than 15 years, retiring in 1930. He was a member of the Woodlawn Cemetery board; a member of the Advisory Board of the Oswego County Girl Scout Council and a director and counsel of the Oswego County National bank. Previously he served in the same capacity in the Oswego County Trust Company in Fulton.
During World War II he served on the Oswego selective service board.
At the time of his retirement from the county judgeship he was honored at a testimonial dinner given by his friends of the bench and bar. He received a 50-year Masonic service medal from the Grand Lodge F. and A.M. of the State of New York last fall.
Judge Colony was a member of the Congregational church which was formerly in existence in Sandy Creek, and served as a trustee. His fraternal affiliations included Sandy Creek Lodge No. 564 F. & A.M., Pulaski Chapter Royal Arch Masons, Watertown Commandery and Media Temple A.A.N.M.S. of Watertown; Oswego, Elks Lodge and also the Rainbow Shores Country Club. He was for many years interested in light harness racing and in his younger days owned and drove trotters at the Sandy Creek Fair.
Married 46 Years Ago
In 1904 he was united in marriage to Miss Lillian E. Truex of Altmar, the daughter of the late Peter W. and Ellen Smith Truex. Judge and Mrs. Colony had one daughter, Irene Beth who on October 20, 1928, while driving home from Syracuse University, where she was a senior, was killed in an automobile accident.
The judge is survived by his wife, Mrs. Lillian Truex Colony and by one sister, Agnes, Mrs. Leo C. Lewis of Fulton. A sister Florence Irene, died in infancy and another sister, Mrs. Blanche Quencer, died in Florida January 11, 1931.
Funeral services for Judge Colony were held Thursday afternoon and included private prayer services at 1:30 from the family home, followed by services at 2 in the Methodist church. Rev. Herbert Harrison, pastor, officiated. Burial will be in Woodlawn cemetery. Bearers were Joseph Fox, Oswego County Probation officer, from Oswego; Glenn Truex of New Jersey, and Carl Truex of Fulton, nephews of Mrs. Colony; Edward Bock of Fulton, who is a nephew by marriage; and Willard Rowam and Durl Clement of Sandy Creek, representatives of the bar association of Oswego County acted as honorary bearers, Fellow Masons and members of the County Bar and Banker's Associations attended the funeral in a body.
The Oswego County Court was recessed Thursday out of respect for Judge Colony and attorneys and court attaches, attended the funeral service. The county judge's office as well as the probation office closed also.
Members of the Jefferson County Bar Association who had expected to attend were unable to do so due to the storm which was even worse in that area than here. A spokesman for the group telephoned Rev. Harrison Thursday morning that they would not be able to make the trip here.
Lacona business places were closed during the funeral hour in tribute to Judge Colony.
Source: Sandy Creek News, Feb 23, 1950
This community was shocked to learn of the sudden death of Judge Don A. Colony, which occurred here Sunday morning, February 19, 1950 at 10 o'clock at his home. Although he had been ill for about two weeks, it was not realized that his condition was critical and the news of his passing was unexpected by the wide circle of his friends and acquaintances here and throughout Oswego county.
Judge Colony, who was an influential figure in professional and political circles in Northern New York, retired in 1944 because of the age limit set on his office, having served for 16 years as county judge, from 1929 to 1944. Previously he served as district attorney, having been elected to that position in 1921 and holding it until the fall of 1928.
Judge Colony had also been assistant district attorney and children's court judge. It was during his term of office that the Oswego county judge was first given jurisdiction of murder cases.
Was Lifelong Resident Here
He was a lifelong resident of Sandy Creek, having been born here October 7, 1874, the only son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Colony. His father was a well known business man here, conducting a plumbing and hardware business, and was active in the Sandy Creek Fair association. The son was graduated from Sandy Creek High school in 1894 and then taught school for five terms, part of the time in Ellisburg, and also in the Woodruff district. He studied law with Attorney H.L. Wallace in the Ainsworth law office and March 1, 1899 was admitted to the bar, after which he began practicing law in Lacona.
In 1902 Judge Colony was first elected to public office, being elected as town clerk of Sandy Creek; a position he held through 1905. In 1906 he became assistant district attorney, holding this office for 15 years, then became district attorney in 1922. After seven years in the latter office he resigned in 1928 to accept the nomination and election to the office of county judge, which office he most ably and efficiently filled.
Active in Public Service
In addition to his duties as a county official, the judge served on the board of Education of Sandy Creek High school for more than 15 years, retiring in 1930. He was a member of the Woodlawn Cemetery board; a member of the Advisory Board of the Oswego County Girl Scout Council and a director and counsel of the Oswego County National bank. Previously he served in the same capacity in the Oswego County Trust Company in Fulton.
During World War II he served on the Oswego selective service board.
At the time of his retirement from the county judgeship he was honored at a testimonial dinner given by his friends of the bench and bar. He received a 50-year Masonic service medal from the Grand Lodge F. and A.M. of the State of New York last fall.
Judge Colony was a member of the Congregational church which was formerly in existence in Sandy Creek, and served as a trustee. His fraternal affiliations included Sandy Creek Lodge No. 564 F. & A.M., Pulaski Chapter Royal Arch Masons, Watertown Commandery and Media Temple A.A.N.M.S. of Watertown; Oswego, Elks Lodge and also the Rainbow Shores Country Club. He was for many years interested in light harness racing and in his younger days owned and drove trotters at the Sandy Creek Fair.
Married 46 Years Ago
In 1904 he was united in marriage to Miss Lillian E. Truex of Altmar, the daughter of the late Peter W. and Ellen Smith Truex. Judge and Mrs. Colony had one daughter, Irene Beth who on October 20, 1928, while driving home from Syracuse University, where she was a senior, was killed in an automobile accident.
The judge is survived by his wife, Mrs. Lillian Truex Colony and by one sister, Agnes, Mrs. Leo C. Lewis of Fulton. A sister Florence Irene, died in infancy and another sister, Mrs. Blanche Quencer, died in Florida January 11, 1931.
Funeral services for Judge Colony were held Thursday afternoon and included private prayer services at 1:30 from the family home, followed by services at 2 in the Methodist church. Rev. Herbert Harrison, pastor, officiated. Burial will be in Woodlawn cemetery. Bearers were Joseph Fox, Oswego County Probation officer, from Oswego; Glenn Truex of New Jersey, and Carl Truex of Fulton, nephews of Mrs. Colony; Edward Bock of Fulton, who is a nephew by marriage; and Willard Rowam and Durl Clement of Sandy Creek, representatives of the bar association of Oswego County acted as honorary bearers, Fellow Masons and members of the County Bar and Banker's Associations attended the funeral in a body.
The Oswego County Court was recessed Thursday out of respect for Judge Colony and attorneys and court attaches, attended the funeral service. The county judge's office as well as the probation office closed also.
Members of the Jefferson County Bar Association who had expected to attend were unable to do so due to the storm which was even worse in that area than here. A spokesman for the group telephoned Rev. Harrison Thursday morning that they would not be able to make the trip here.
Lacona business places were closed during the funeral hour in tribute to Judge Colony.
Source: Sandy Creek News, Feb 23, 1950
Former County Judge Colony Dies Suddenly
This community was shocked to learn of the sudden death of Judge Don A. Colony, which occurred here Sunday morning, February 19, 1950 at 10 o'clock at his home. Although he had been ill for about two weeks, it was not realized that his condition was critical and the news of his passing was unexpected by the wide circle of his friends and acquaintances here and throughout Oswego county.
Judge Colony, who was an influential figure in professional and political circles in Northern New York, retired in 1944 because of the age limit set on his office, having served for 16 years as county judge, from 1929 to 1944. Previously he served as district attorney, having been elected to that position in 1921 and holding it until the fall of 1928.
Judge Colony had also been assistant district attorney and children's court judge. It was during his term of office that the Oswego county judge was first given jurisdiction of murder cases.
Was Lifelong Resident Here
He was a lifelong resident of Sandy Creek, having been born here October 7, 1874, the only son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Colony. His father was a well known business man here, conducting a plumbing and hardware business, and was active in the Sandy Creek Fair association. The son was graduated from Sandy Creek High school in 1894 and then taught school for five terms, part of the time in Ellisburg, and also in the Woodruff district. He studied law with Attorney H.L. Wallace in the Ainsworth law office and March 1, 1899 was admitted to the bar, after which he began practicing law in Lacona.
In 1902 Judge Colony was first elected to public office, being elected as town clerk of Sandy Creek; a position he held through 1905. In 1906 he became assistant district attorney, holding this office for 15 years, then became district attorney in 1922. After seven years in the latter office he resigned in 1928 to accept the nomination and election to the office of county judge, which office he most ably and efficiently filled.
Active in Public Service
In addition to his duties as a county official, the judge served on the board of Education of Sandy Creek High school for more than 15 years, retiring in 1930. He was a member of the Woodlawn Cemetery board; a member of the Advisory Board of the Oswego County Girl Scout Council and a director and counsel of the Oswego County National bank. Previously he served in the same capacity in the Oswego County Trust Company in Fulton.
During World War II he served on the Oswego selective service board.
At the time of his retirement from the county judgeship he was honored at a testimonial dinner given by his friends of the bench and bar. He received a 50-year Masonic service medal from the Grand Lodge F. and A.M. of the State of New York last fall.
Judge Colony was a member of the Congregational church which was formerly in existence in Sandy Creek, and served as a trustee. His fraternal affiliations included Sandy Creek Lodge No. 564 F. & A.M., Pulaski Chapter Royal Arch Masons, Watertown Commandery and Media Temple A.A.N.M.S. of Watertown; Oswego, Elks Lodge and also the Rainbow Shores Country Club. He was for many years interested in light harness racing and in his younger days owned and drove trotters at the Sandy Creek Fair.
Married 46 Years Ago
In 1904 he was united in marriage to Miss Lillian E. Truex of Altmar, the daughter of the late Peter W. and Ellen Smith Truex. Judge and Mrs. Colony had one daughter, Irene Beth who on October 20, 1928, while driving home from Syracuse University, where she was a senior, was killed in an automobile accident.
The judge is survived by his wife, Mrs. Lillian Truex Colony and by one sister, Agnes, Mrs. Leo C. Lewis of Fulton. A sister Florence Irene, died in infancy and another sister, Mrs. Blanche Quencer, died in Florida January 11, 1931.
Funeral services for Judge Colony were held Thursday afternoon and included private prayer services at 1:30 from the family home, followed by services at 2 in the Methodist church. Rev. Herbert Harrison, pastor, officiated. Burial will be in Woodlawn cemetery. Bearers were Joseph Fox, Oswego County Probation officer, from Oswego; Glenn Truex of New Jersey, and Carl Truex of Fulton, nephews of Mrs. Colony; Edward Bock of Fulton, who is a nephew by marriage; and Willard Rowam and Durl Clement of Sandy Creek, representatives of the bar association of Oswego County acted as honorary bearers, Fellow Masons and members of the County Bar and Banker's Associations attended the funeral in a body.
The Oswego County Court was recessed Thursday out of respect for Judge Colony and attorneys and court attaches, attended the funeral service. The county judge's office as well as the probation office closed also.
Members of the Jefferson County Bar Association who had expected to attend were unable to do so due to the storm which was even worse in that area than here. A spokesman for the group telephoned Rev. Harrison Thursday morning that they would not be able to make the trip here.
Lacona business places were closed during the funeral hour in tribute to Judge Colony.
Source: Sandy Creek News, Feb 23, 1950
This community was shocked to learn of the sudden death of Judge Don A. Colony, which occurred here Sunday morning, February 19, 1950 at 10 o'clock at his home. Although he had been ill for about two weeks, it was not realized that his condition was critical and the news of his passing was unexpected by the wide circle of his friends and acquaintances here and throughout Oswego county.
Judge Colony, who was an influential figure in professional and political circles in Northern New York, retired in 1944 because of the age limit set on his office, having served for 16 years as county judge, from 1929 to 1944. Previously he served as district attorney, having been elected to that position in 1921 and holding it until the fall of 1928.
Judge Colony had also been assistant district attorney and children's court judge. It was during his term of office that the Oswego county judge was first given jurisdiction of murder cases.
Was Lifelong Resident Here
He was a lifelong resident of Sandy Creek, having been born here October 7, 1874, the only son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Colony. His father was a well known business man here, conducting a plumbing and hardware business, and was active in the Sandy Creek Fair association. The son was graduated from Sandy Creek High school in 1894 and then taught school for five terms, part of the time in Ellisburg, and also in the Woodruff district. He studied law with Attorney H.L. Wallace in the Ainsworth law office and March 1, 1899 was admitted to the bar, after which he began practicing law in Lacona.
In 1902 Judge Colony was first elected to public office, being elected as town clerk of Sandy Creek; a position he held through 1905. In 1906 he became assistant district attorney, holding this office for 15 years, then became district attorney in 1922. After seven years in the latter office he resigned in 1928 to accept the nomination and election to the office of county judge, which office he most ably and efficiently filled.
Active in Public Service
In addition to his duties as a county official, the judge served on the board of Education of Sandy Creek High school for more than 15 years, retiring in 1930. He was a member of the Woodlawn Cemetery board; a member of the Advisory Board of the Oswego County Girl Scout Council and a director and counsel of the Oswego County National bank. Previously he served in the same capacity in the Oswego County Trust Company in Fulton.
During World War II he served on the Oswego selective service board.
At the time of his retirement from the county judgeship he was honored at a testimonial dinner given by his friends of the bench and bar. He received a 50-year Masonic service medal from the Grand Lodge F. and A.M. of the State of New York last fall.
Judge Colony was a member of the Congregational church which was formerly in existence in Sandy Creek, and served as a trustee. His fraternal affiliations included Sandy Creek Lodge No. 564 F. & A.M., Pulaski Chapter Royal Arch Masons, Watertown Commandery and Media Temple A.A.N.M.S. of Watertown; Oswego, Elks Lodge and also the Rainbow Shores Country Club. He was for many years interested in light harness racing and in his younger days owned and drove trotters at the Sandy Creek Fair.
Married 46 Years Ago
In 1904 he was united in marriage to Miss Lillian E. Truex of Altmar, the daughter of the late Peter W. and Ellen Smith Truex. Judge and Mrs. Colony had one daughter, Irene Beth who on October 20, 1928, while driving home from Syracuse University, where she was a senior, was killed in an automobile accident.
The judge is survived by his wife, Mrs. Lillian Truex Colony and by one sister, Agnes, Mrs. Leo C. Lewis of Fulton. A sister Florence Irene, died in infancy and another sister, Mrs. Blanche Quencer, died in Florida January 11, 1931.
Funeral services for Judge Colony were held Thursday afternoon and included private prayer services at 1:30 from the family home, followed by services at 2 in the Methodist church. Rev. Herbert Harrison, pastor, officiated. Burial will be in Woodlawn cemetery. Bearers were Joseph Fox, Oswego County Probation officer, from Oswego; Glenn Truex of New Jersey, and Carl Truex of Fulton, nephews of Mrs. Colony; Edward Bock of Fulton, who is a nephew by marriage; and Willard Rowam and Durl Clement of Sandy Creek, representatives of the bar association of Oswego County acted as honorary bearers, Fellow Masons and members of the County Bar and Banker's Associations attended the funeral in a body.
The Oswego County Court was recessed Thursday out of respect for Judge Colony and attorneys and court attaches, attended the funeral service. The county judge's office as well as the probation office closed also.
Members of the Jefferson County Bar Association who had expected to attend were unable to do so due to the storm which was even worse in that area than here. A spokesman for the group telephoned Rev. Harrison Thursday morning that they would not be able to make the trip here.
Lacona business places were closed during the funeral hour in tribute to Judge Colony.
Source: Sandy Creek News, Feb 23, 1950
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