The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-05-01
Obituary..
BENZ. rREADwELL osDERDoSK, BISHOP OF Ne
YORY

BENZ. TREADwELL oNDERpoNK, BISHOP OF NEW
YORK.
This remarkable man whose history Is rather familiar
TO the people of this country owing certain unpcasau,
circums connected with the early Of
bis Episcopal functions expired yesterday morning his
late residence, No 35 West Twenty seventh street For
some time back he had been suffering from tedious and
painful malady and for the last few days but slight hopes
ofrecovery were held out by the physicians In
Early yesterday morning he observed grow worse
and sunk rapidly until near noon, when came
on, during tho continuance Of which he expired The
peculiar dsease TO which he fell victim was cardiac
dropsy the fatal issue Of which IL was FASTENED
in slight degree by tho mental excitement consequent
the late decision OF the General Convention OF the Pro-
testsnt Episcopal Church. the matter Of his petition 70
that body for a restoration OF functions.
Bcnjamin Treadwel 0nderdonk, D. D., Ii D., was born
In this city the year l91 and comes OF respectable
Knckerbockcr parenage. At an early age he sent
to Columbia College whore he graduated with some dis.
tnctiou and showing disposition TO join the church. he
put through . thorough course Of ecclesiastical
studies In the year 1913 he duly ordained minis
ter Of the Proiestsn. Episcopal church, and almost
Immediately after appointed assistant minister of Trinity
church. Of which Dr. Berran then and st continues
to be the rector Daring his connection with Trinity Dr.
ondcrtonks career was Of the brightest character Al
a he was universally beloved, and as preacher his
reputation second 10 His good taste and sound
Judgment enabled him 70 labor successfully and with dis.
tincton amongst that not very numerous class Of dvnes
whose study s to appeal 70 the mind rather than TO
tho passions, and who rely upon plain common
rsncics OF language. He became In short time a
man Of such prominence that the post Of Secretary
the Diocesan convention becoming vacant be vas ad-
yanced 10 OH that important ONCE
II while DR.. Onderdonk was still dscharging the
duties Of this position that old Bishop Hobart died and
the eyes OF the clergy Immediately fixed upon Dr. D. az
tho most fitting successor 10 the Episcopal chair The
demise Of DR. Hobart occurred In $780, and on the Goth OF
November OF the same year Dr. Onderdonk was duly CON
sccrated Bishop OF New York In 81. John q chapel
would be OF little use to 90 the many eventr
years that have elapsed since Dr. Onderdon consccra
ton Many marks Of special favor were conferred upon
him through the agency Of his numerous friends mo
income Of his docess was greatly increased and he gave
up his connection with Trinity church diocess was
divided, Dr ondcrdonk retaining tho Eastern section
About fourteen years after his conservation the year
ls44 Eve bolieve) circumstance occurred which
cloud over his character charge OF indscrction In
conduct was preferred against him, which, not 10 be too
Woix, resulted In his being indefinitely Suspended from
Epscops functions BY command Of the House Of Bshops
The scandal created immense sensation nj The time,
having been published In almost every psper In the
try The suspension took place tho 3D. Of January,
le45, and has never been revoked since that time
Bishop 0pderdonk never made what can be called con-
feseon, and strong feeling has been manifested In
his favor by warm friends who regarded him ~ per.
secuted prelate The Diocesan Convention, hold In this
city two years ago. adopted petition 10 the General Con-
vencn OF the United States asking that Bishop Onder
donk be fully restored 10 finctions The petition was
not successful although the lower house passed y by
large vote Thus ended the controversy Since the sus
pension the docess has been administered by Dr. VAIN
wright md since he Death Nv M Hora'o Potter who
bar NV Vpvvaas suscp "a ns~ Ava.