National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1875-02-27
GRoRGE DE BAPTIsTE.
Death CT q Note colored Nan.


The death of George De Ea2tiste, at Detroit,
Mich, February q, demands something more
than passing notice, for with his race he had a
national reputation, and here in Washington he
was we'll known. Mr.. De Baptiste was a native Of
Virginia, born slave and early in life emanci-
patcd. His employment was that Of a steward
and caterer. and his good business habits and
frugality enabled him to accumulate quite for
tune. Living in Detroit he was prominent among
the cOlOred men of the West, and by his partici-
CatiGns in national conventions he became known
Throughout the country as most earnest, liberal
and devoted friend. Previous to the war he was
an efficient worker in the abolition cause, always
enthusiastic, selidenying and charitable. The
doors 81 his home at Detroit were constantly open
TO fugitive slaves, and in enabling them to escape
he was always on the alert, and his purse was
ever wide open for every good work and deed in
the cause Of the slave. He was of engaging man.
Ders and agreeable TO all with whom he came in
contact.
After the election of Gen. Harrison to the PresI-
deIcy he came on to Washingto ton with him as his
body servant, and was installed as steward of the
White House. Gen. Harrison was very fond of
him, and gave him at one time a gold headed
cane. When the war came on George De Baptiste
enlisted all his energies at once on the side Of the
Union and was efficient in helping to raise troops,
especially cOlOred ones, and of these he never
took the slightest advantage. In all the leading
conventions Of the colOred people he took a prom-
nent business part, and was distinguished for
much practical ability as a speaker, though not
what is called an eloquent man. AS a party
worker in his own State he was very efficient
His sister, Mrs. Cook, died in Washington quite
recently. She was the mother of Mr.. John H.
Cock, graduate Of Howard University and q
practicing lawyer here.
No finer representation OF the negro in his own
home, living upon his own earnings, cultivaIing
wisdom and sobriety, can be found than George
De Baptiste, and his death will be generally
mourned by the colored people throughout the
country.
Since writing the above it is learned that he
was born at Fredericksburg. Va, in 1911. He
was the only son of Edward De Baptfste, and his
1ncles were Benjamin, John, William and
George, after whom he was named. With the
exception OF George they all moved to the North
west many yea ato Locating at Chicago and
Detroit. MIR. De Baptlste visited the Canadas
and afterwards went TO Cincinnati, where he was
taken into the employ of Gen. Harrison, and
after his patrons death he returned to Cincinnati
and afterwards be went to Chicago and finally to
Detroit. His saloon in Detroit was opposite the
City hall, between Woodward avenue and Girls
void street, and though conducted on a grand
scale it was not o success financially. He leaves
a widow and, by his first wife, two children. She
was Lucinda Lewis of Fredericksburg. He was
for many years an agent Of the underground rail
rad, especially that section Of the line between
Kentucky and Virginia, and whose connections
terminated at the Detroit crossing into Canada.