Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1872-06-11
Death of James Gordon Bennett.

The death of James Gordon Bennett, the
veteran editor Of the New York Herald which
had been anticipated for several days, took
place at his residence in that city on Saturday
afternoon, the 3lst ult., at 5:25 o'clock. Of the
history of Mr.. Bennett much might be written
illustrating the romance OF an early adventu-
rous career, and the final triumph of industry
and perseverance over repeated vicissitudes.
Mr.. Bennett was born in Banffshire, Scot
land, in the latter part of the last century, and
after receiving the usual preparatory education
entered the Roman Catholic seminary in Aber-
deem, when about fifteen years of age, with
view of preparing for holy orders in that Church,
of which his parents were members. At this
institution he remained for several years, when,
under sudden impulse, he emigrated to
America with young companion, arriving at
HALIFAX In April, 1919 Having but little
money he was soon compelled to seek employ
ment, which he found in the following autumn
| In Boston as proof-reader in publishing house.
During his residence in Boston be published
number of poetical effuslens in the newspapers
| La 1922 he visited New York Tor the first time
| and after brief connection with the press of
that city accepted position on the Charleston
| Is. q. Courier as translator from Spanish
| American Journals. In year or two he return
ed to New York, and after trying the business
of lecturing, went to work on the National Ad-
UOcdte, Democratic paper. In 1925 he bought
the Sunday Courier, which he gave up some
| time after and became Washing ton correspon-
dent OF the New ork Inquirer, in which posi-
ton he was able to show his talents as a news
| paper writer. In 1882 he went to Philadelphia,
and Tor year or two was connected with the
Fennsylransan, Democratic journal On the
9th OF May, 1885, Mr. Bennett. with the aid of
| two young printers published the first number
of the New York Herald, the third penny pa
per then ever attempted in America His days
OF poetry and partylsm were now ended. He
worked with view to build up a thorough
| going newspaper as the surest means of fortune
How far he succeeded the world already knows
The Herald, IN announcing the death of Mr..
Bennett, says:
| 'Five years ago Mr.. Bennett entirely with
drew from actual management of the Herald,
but although feeble in frame his general health
had been remarkably good, while his fine intel
lect remained unimpaired, and his interest in
the events OF the day continued undated up
to the moment of his fatal Illness About II
o'clock Saturday afternoon, 25th ultimo,. MIR.
Bennett suffered slight oonvusive attack, ac-
companied by epileptic symptoms, but not suf-
ficiently marked or violent to excite apprehen-
sion OF Immediate danger. At 1:3O clock last
Sunday morning the attack was repeated with
greater severity From that time the end be-
came evident although the constant attendance
of Drs Ceccarini, Hammond, and Lusk insur-
ed the exhaustion of all within the reach of hui
man efforts to avert fatal result. On Tues
day last, at the request of Dir. Bennett, Arch
bishop McClosky visited his bedside and ad-
ministered to him the sacrament Of the Church.
When the last hour arrived he sank to sleep in
death calmly and peacefully, and his soul pass
ed away without a struggle Mr.. Bennett was
in the seventy-seventh year of his age.
1.-THE son and daughter of MIR. Bennett are
expected to arrive from Europe during the
week in the mean time the body will be pre-
served in ice, end the funeral will take place on
their arrival.