Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-08-04
Obituary..
UNCLE SAM.

Died. nj his residence in this city, on Saturday,
the 29,h uiimo after an affecting illness OF nine
DAYS, Captain WILLIAM EASILY, in the 6alh
year Of his age.
of Washington have sustained great loss. From
1872 the date of his settlement here, he has been
actively identified with the growth and interests
of the city and its inhabitants; and amongst his
numerous friends there are many who have grown
I'D with him and the city together These VIII
feel HIS loss most sensiby and deeply.
The deceased was an Englishman by birth; but,
having been brought 10 this country by his parents
in his infancy, he thoroughly Ame.ieanized
both in feeling and principle; ever looking, how
ever, with becoming pride upon nis naive co9n-
trv. which he revisited in lS49 as bearer Of dis
patches 10 The American minister and as commits
sioner 10 the worlds fair.
In 1919 Captain Easily was one of the most en-
ereetic and daun,less OF the young volunteers who
acted against The British army in its memorable
approach 10 Washington.
CANAAN Easily was best known by the indomi-
table perseverance with which he prosecuted all
his enterprises whether public or private. This
characteristc induced President Fillmore TO APP
point him Commissioner Of Public Buildings in
Washington, which Office he held several years,
giving the most complete satisfaction by the prompt
and energetic discharge of his duties.
Captain E shy was, at the time Of his death,
and had been for many years previously, treasurer
of the National institute, an association OF the
leading intelligences Of Washington for the pro-
motion Of science.
In all his business transactions he was distin-
ruished for straightforward integrity and honesty
of purpose In his feelings he was generous and
humane, never refusing 10 assist the poor or the
afflicted.
In addition 10 his generous emotions and his
fine business qualities, he was q man Of remarka-
BILE intelligence aud Of elevated taste. Notwith-
standing his activity in the transaction OF the bust
ness of out-ofdoor life, he had found time and
leisure 10 brins together an extensive library of
the most rare and elegant books, amongst which
are many curious specimens OF manuscripts, typo
graphy, and ancient paintings and engravings.
This library consists Of about twenty five hun
dred volumes, and combines in itself almost every
thing which is essential TO science or beautiful in
literature In this intellectual retreat, Captain
Easily was accustomed TO spend large portion
of his time, always pFohtaoiy and agreeably en-
ployed; and 10 this he iondiy looked for that re-
iirement where the evening OF his days could be
passed in those quiet pursuits which are so con-
genial TO declining age but, alas in the midst of
the soothing contemplation of these approaching
enjoymen,s surrounded by the ministers Of ha ppi-
ness which he had spent his life in accum ulating
he fell when he least expected II, into the arms
ofthai spectral visitor from whose mournful tread
no chamber is free, tt
Capt. Easily met death withih utmost for,tude
and composure, ut peace with all the word, and
surrounded by most Of the members Of his imme-
date family whose efforts to soothe him in his
affections and 10 save him were unremi,tng,
though frUitless.
The poor will need him his friends will miss
him; the energetic and the active will inquire for
him; and the answer 10 all Of these will be, in
the ancient phrase OF the preacher. (Ecclesiastes
IMAM eth TO his long home, and the mourncrs
60 about the Observation-Disclosures.