Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-12-10
BISHOP ARMITAGE.

The New York Tribune Of Monday has the
following in relation to the death OF Bishop
Armitage, already noticed in our columns:
The Right Rev. William Z. Armitage,
Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Diocese
of Wisconsin, died in this city yesterday morn
ing in the 44th year of his age. He has suf-
fered for many years from tumor at the base
of his spinal column. During the past six
months the disease became more virulent in
its effects on his system, and at last the ply
sicians near his home in Wisconsin advised
him to go East and submit to an operation,
the only possible way in which his life could
be saved. Accompanied by his wife, Bishop
Armitage arrived in this city on Thursday,
and was at once taken to St. Luke's Hospital,
at Fifth avenue and Fifty fourth street. All
the surgeons in the hospital examined the tu-
NOR, and declared that unless 1t was lmmed-
lately cut out, there was no chance Of DR..
Armitages living more than a week. The
surgeons also frankly told the patient that If
the operation should prove unsuccessful his
sy stem would receive such shock that he
must expect TO die within few hours. Bish-
op Armitage received these declarations with
great calmness and courage, and, after con-
versing a few moments with his wife, told the
surgeons that he had resolved to submit to an
operation. The preparations for the opera
ton were completed on Friday, and in the
afternoon the surgeons executed their task.
The operation was performed by DR.. Weir,
who was assisted by DR.. Peters and other
surgeons of the hospital The patient for an
hour after the operation appeared not to have
suffered very great shock, but two hours az
terward the surgeons perceived rapid change
for the worse in his condition. Despite all eff
fort to sustain life, his strength gradually les
sened, and he finally died at A. M. yester-
day. Around his bedside at the moment of
his death were gathered some of the most EN-.
inent clergymen of the Protestant Episcopal
church in this city, the tidings that Bishop
Armitage was dying having become known
outside of the walls Of the hospital. The dy-
ing man retained clear mind to the very last
moment. Retaining sufficient strength to
speak up to an hour of his death he conversed
with his friends in a calm tone of voice, al
though he knew that life was fast departing.
His courage did not fail him at any moment,
and he died with the utmost faith and conf
dence in his own redemption beyond the
grave. Mrs. Armitage sat by the bedside of
her husband until he breathed his last. She
then exhibited intense grief and had TO be
csred for by the physicians of the hospital.
The deceased Bishop had, it is said, one child.
His father, Mr.. En0ch Armitage, resides at
No. 435 West thirty third street, in this city.
DIR. Armitage was Assistant Bishop of Wis
consin in May, 1870, when on the death of the
venerable Bishop Kemper he received sole
charge of the diocese. He filled the duties of
his station, which were largely of a mission
airy character, with great zeal and ability,
making many friends among the members of
all denominations. He was highly esteemed
in Milwaukee, where he resided, and tele-
gram says the news of his death caused great
grief throughout the city.