The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-04-20
DEATH OF A BROOKLYN HERMIT.
Sad Close OF Secluded Lifc-The Body
Eaten by Rats.

Sad Close OF Secluded Life-The Bod
Eaten by Rats.
For the past fifteen years there has lived in a
little shanty at No. 229 Graham street, near De
Knlb avenue, Brooklyn, remarkable old man.
about seventy years OF age. He was known from
his retired manner, 1.-The Hermt,n for he
dwelt alone, and rarely had any visitors in
his howell. He would, however converse with
persons who came to his door, and those who
were able to engage him in conversation
were not long in discovering that he was an
intelligent man. This very eccentric old man,
who gave his name as David Easton, was
highly educated, and. notwithstanding his years.
had remarkably sharp intellect. His manners
were refined, and he devoted q good portion OF
his time reading the productions OF the best au.
thors His little howell was not more than eight
put up by two or three Policemen about diteen
years ago. These Officers were not the only per-
sons who formed an attachment for him, Tor some
oil the members OF St. Mary's Episcopal church. OF
which the Rev. Mr.. Thompson is pastor, became
interested IN him, and contributed towards his
support. II was always thought somewhat
strange that he never could be induced to say any
thing OF MS former lie ana consequently nothing
was known OF INN pre- vious TO mis- appearance on
Graham street on Friday and SATURDAY there WINS
no smoke seen curling from the chimney OF his it,
Tie domlclle, and some OF those who occupied
nelghporinR shanties began to wonder what had
he absent from homes ' and some ss' w srs
had gone on little spree and was
locked up. The OLD man, however,
was an advocate oil the temperance cause and was
never known TO indulge In Intoxicating drinks.
His non-appearance yesterday caused some in
quries, and It was suggested by some who knew
him that his shanty be broken open to whether
he was dead or alive Finally officer Lennon was
called, and he broke open the window and crawcd
In. ON opening the door from the inside the body
OF Easron was discovered on hls little mat
tress OF straw In the corner, out II presented
rather startling sight. IL looked as II the rats
had been feeding on his hands, face and legs for
the past two or three days. One side OF his face
was almost gnawed on, while the flesh on his
hands had been eaten to the bones. Had the body
lam much longer II would PROBABLY presented
sight similar to that OF Jacob knOop the German
liquor dealer, who died alone IN his house In
south BROOKLYN, and whose body was devoured
by his dog which had been locked In with nlln
Mrs. Goudey, one Of the members oil -. Mary's,
when informed OF the death OF Easton last even.
ing, went to mis- cabin ana wept. she had ire
quently conversed with him upon religious mat
tiers, and had become much Interested IN MIN.
she had Tor q long time contributed towards his
support. While the soup house was open ut the
Fourth precinct CAPITA Graft says he would occa-
sionay come there with little pail and get some
soup aud bread The members OF ST. Marys have
made arrangements to give this singular man n
decent burial, and hts body was removed to an
pndertakcr's last night