Reformer. -- A large circle of friends and acquaintances will regret to hear of the death on Tuesday, 21 Jun 1910, of Mr. S. M. Sovereen, one of Simcoe's prominent merchants, after a long illness.

For nearly seven months Mr. Sovereen had been confined to his house, his sickness taking the form of an affection of the heart. For the past two months he has been too ill to leave his room, not being able to take more than a few steps at a time. During the last week however he has seemed to improve and his family have hoped that he would still further regain his strength. He retained his grip on business matters to the last and only a few hours before his death, he had interviews with his clerks and transacted other business in his usual fashion. Although the long confinement must have been irksome to one of his active business habits, he bore it with cheerfulness and fortitude.

Sylvanus Morris Sovereen was born in Simcoe on 19 Sep 1842, his father being the late Lemon Gibb Sovereen. 

After a boyhood spent in this vicinity, he went to Boston, Mass., and in response to Abraham Lincoln's call for men when the south seceded from the Union, he enlisted in Company K, 17th Massachusetts Regiment when he was 19 years old. He attained the rank of Lieutenant, and after spending three and a half years with the Federal Army, he went West, where he was in business for several years. 

He later returned to Simcoe, being associated with his father, who founded the business in 1842, and in this town he spent the balance of his life.

On 23 Jan 1878, he was married to Miss Gertrude Pursel, and to them three children were born, Arthur G. Sovereen, Mrs. Grover Murdoch, and Miss Bessie Sovereen. He is survived by his wife and his children.

Mr. Sovereen was an adherent of the Methodist church, and  in politics was a Liberal. He was a member of the Masonic Order. 

For recreation, lately he devoted himself to motoring, becoming most enthusiastic. He was fond of hunting and shooting, and was a keen shot, winning several prizes and cups by his marksmanship. 

He had a wide acquaintanceship, both in his native county and among the business men in the cities, his long business life of 40 years bringing him in contact with an enormous number of people.
 

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