The Potter journal. [volume] (Coudersport, Pa.) 1857-1872, 1866-04-10
Death Of B. Bush Petrikin. ESQ

BENZ min Rush Petrikin, Esq, one of our
most prominent citizens died at his residence
in this place, on Sunday morning last, aged
81 years.
The announcement Of this event created
quite shock in this community. Every one
knew that the inSidious hand of Consumption
was upon the deceased and that he could not
long withstand its rayages. But no one, not
even his physician, anticipated So speedy
termination of the disease Few who saw
his wasted form and heard his racking cough
during his recent occasional appearance on
our streets, were confident enough to hope
that he would survive the sweltering heat and
rarfed atmosphere Of the Summer months
though many cherished the anticipation that
the vernh warmth and genial freshness of
SpIingtime might arrest for a season the
progress Of the disease. He sark suddenly,
but with the calmness and serenity Of the set
ting sun.
Mr.. Petrikin was born in Danvile Columbia
county, on the 10th of June, 1915. He was
the oldest son of DR.. David Petrikn, prom
nent and talented man who once represented
his district in Congress. He was educated at
Milton, in the same school with A. @. Curtin
present Governor ofthe State After leaving
school, he went through sundry not very trying
vicssitudes, and finally settled down to the
study Of law. Having completed his course
and been admitted to the bar at the age of q
he emig.ated to Burlington, Iowa and had
just commenced the practice when he was APP
pointed By President Van Buren, Register of
the land office at Dubuque. In l64O, he was
removed by Gen Harrison, and returned to
Pennsylvania, resuming the practice Of his
profession at Belefonte. In 1854, having
purchased an interest in some coal lands near
hl 1SK lln 4
company for the purpose of mining In his
coal operations he was not successful, and in
1850 he removed to Lock Haven, where he has
ever since resided. He was man of radical
views in politics, and after the formation of
the Republican party he became a leading
man in its ranks. In 1859 he was a candidate
for the lower House of the Legislature but was
unsuccessful. In 1862 he was presented by
Clinton county in the district Conference for
the nomination for Congress, and in this also
was unsuccessful. In 1864 he was chosen a
member Of the Union Stale Central Committee
and as member of the Executive Committee
performing most Of the labor Of that threefold
campaign, and was the confidential adviser of
the Chairman, Gen. Cameron, whom he very
much resembled in his mental characteristics.
Mr.. Petrikin will be sadly missed in Lock
Haven. He had for many years been the most
conspicuous citizen of the place. His con.
nectlon with many pOrtant public enterprises
his liberal encouragement of every measure
designed to promote the welfare and prosperity
Of Lock Hlven-his sagacity and intelligence
his large hearted and ready benevolence
ana the extensive acquaintance he enjoyed
with persons in authority, both at Harrisburg
and Washington, (Which gave him an inAu-
ence possessed by no other citizen of the
county,) made him prominent, and endeared
him to many who had been the recipients of
his interest and aid. He was al active man
and very decided in his opinions and nreiu-
dIces. He could not, therefore, escape the
opposition of those who envled or feared him
He, however, enjoyed to very great extent
the admiration and affection always resulting
from the possession of his particular mental
characteristics. He was one of the boldest
men in action and in the expression of his
opinions that we ever knew. No impedimentS
could daunt, no threats in imidate him, and
he was no more reserved in his utterances
when confronted by his enemies than when in
the midst OF his friends. Inheriting the idi-
osynrcasy of bis distinguished father he was
a bitter and relentless adversary so long as
stimulated by opposition, but ever ready to
forgive an injury when duly atoned for or
explained.
N''o"''y ~ NV" ii''o ""'m irlehuS IN
this county than nny other man and politically |
perhaps more bitter enemies
Few men OF hii age, knew more Of tho gen
eral and local history of tho country or of its
prominent men than he. A wide awake dis |
position and ahrewd observation, aided by |
an extraordinary memory had stored his mind |
with nm amount and variety of intelligence |
rarely met with among men.
In his death the political party to which
he belonged has experienced loss that can
not well be repaired the industrious poor
will miss his friendly aid and counsel and the
people generally will feel his loss in sundry
important public enterprises to which he had
devoted his time and talents for the last few
years. - Cl'nton Republican, March 20.