The Portsmouth inquirer. [volume] (Portsmouth, O. [Ohio]) 1849-1855, 1852-02-20
OBITUARY..
Mr.. Egbert c. selfridxe.

Perhaps no death which has occurred in
this city, within many months. has occasion
ed 50 general and profounda sensation as that
OF the gentleman who is the subject Of this
notice. The strong hold which he had ac-
quired upon the esteem of the public, and
the affection Of his intimate acquaintance,
the prominent and responsible position which
he occupied as the principal of our Public
Schools, and the suddcnness Of his depart
ure, all combined TO deepen the melancholy
interest OF the event. His funeral was at
tended by numerous concourse Of the pu-
pills Of the Schools and citizens, whose sad
dened coun.enanccs eyinced that each regard
ed his death-not only as public, but also
as private misfortune.
Mr. Selfridge was born in Cattaropgus Co.,
in western New York, and was, az the time
of his death, between twenty.three and four
years Of age. His parents, who died while
he was quite young, were inhumble circum-
stances, and, at the age of thirteen years he
was thrown upon the world, with no one to
look to for advice or assistance except his
brother chester, three years his senior. who
| himself had no means wherewith 10 make his
way in the world, save the correct moral
! principles which had been taught him by
pious mother, robust constitution, and
good natural talents, improved by such edu-
cation as was to be acquired in the common
schools of New York. Thus almost alone
and unfrended he commenced his career but
nature had endowed him with mental facul.
ties of a superior order, and an energy and
decision Of character by no means common,
and he entered with high hopes into the
struggle Of life. In the midst Of it., when
by his usefulness he had rendered himself val
liable to society, and might reasonably look
forward with confidence 10 the not distant
reward Of his labors, he was cut down.
!. Inscrutable indeed, are the ways of Provi-
dence, and though we would not repine at
his DEGREES, we cannot refrain from dropping
: a tear over the grave Of our departed friend
: thus taken away in the vigor Of manhood,
!, when life beat fullest, when his capacities
e for enjoyment were greatest, and all his hopes
: were highest.
Mr. Selfridge, as has already been stated,
" was possessed Of more than ordinary natu.
/ raj endowments. Few persons of his year,
are possessed Of keener discrimination, oi
q greater power of analysis. His perception
= was very quick and his memory reteniive
4 His education, though not extensive was re.
markably accurate. Every fact he had &C
|quired had made distinct and clear impres
2 sion upon his mind, and although he was By
c no means deficient in the power of generali
zation, each item of his knowledge was de
p fined by clear and sharp outlines.
ol His moral character was unimpeachabl
10 pure, and all his sentiments elevated ant
~ magnanimous. He was generous and liberal
st frank and courteous, though somewhat sensi
OF tive and quick TO retort when he considere,
ii himself injured. He was greatly esleeme,
be by a wide circle Of acquaintances, and W
th think we hazard nothing when we expires
ID the opinion that those who knew him mos
= intimately entertained towards him sent
ments Of the highest regard.
nd His career in this place was eminentl
ne successful. He possessed qualities whic
De ,o peculiarly fitted him for the duties Of
: teacher Of youth. apd it will be long, "
ng fear, before his place in our Public School
s; will be supplied.