The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1875-07-04
OBITUARY
HON. THOMAS b. FLORENCE, Ex-ArEMBEE on
CONGRESS.

HON. THOMAS D. FLORENCE, Ex-nIEMBER on
CONGRESS.
Hon. Thomas D.. Florence, formerly a
member OF Congress from Philadel phia
and aiterward the editor aud publisher
OF the Constitutional U1,ior and more
recently the proprietor OF sac Washington
sunday Gazette, died IN Washington, D. O., last
night, Sd inst. the event has caused general sor.
row in the community. where be was appreciated
for bis kindness Of heart and honesty or char
acter.
Thomas B. Florence was born January 90, 1872
In the city OF Philadelphia. He was the son OF
David Florence. shipbuilder, Of Southwark. The
parents were honest and exemplary persons and
reared large family with care. The mother was
% tna Gass paTsspss whose
dictates or sincere CHRISTIAN pety. She felt
the high responsibility OF ner station and knew
well that the lessons impaired In childhood bore
their iruit in mannoods years. The father was con.
stautly engaged IN his business, and devoted bat
little OF his time in the training OF his children.
lie engaged with a house carpenter 20 learn that
handlcralt and for some time devoted ntmself TO
gam knowledge OF the business. At thar period
OF our industrial history II was not unfrequently
the habit Tor employers and their assistants TO
use stimulating drinks. Such was the case IN this
instance and before the habit could be ctrcum-
scrlDed 1t became the master OF the persons who
carried on the business win whom young Flor
ence was employed. II was a source OF gre1 10
his impressiole mind to be IN contact vita those
so lost TO all pr0prlety. The boy was aware OF
the preJudlclal influences that were deStrOt ing
hts employer ald the busl1esS. r. was . strtk.
ing lesson to q sensitive and observing mud.
Having abandoned the Employers nrst engaged
with, young Florence entered in 10 the hat makeria
shop OF an experienced manufacturers OF hats.
Here he learned the business with facility, and
became an adept at this branch OF mechan cal
skill. Like most young men OF his charac-
ter and disposition he was engaged In Lnose
pursuits which attract the tastes in leisure hours
Before the war against Mexico Mr. Florence was
elected colonel OF the Fifth regiment or t1e state
militia. Thus 0elng connected with the military,
on the opening OF the war no applied TO nave
u volunteer company, Of which he was captain
"rhe Independent Ride Compauy''-accepLsd Tor
service In Mexico. Again the period ior tho
election OF Representative IN Congress- Tor too
First congressional distIict OF Pennsylvania, ar.
rived. Tue native anu wbi9 parties nominated
their respective candidates. The democracy rail-
lied on Colonel Florence. The campaign was
severely contested. The district contains about
10, 600 voters. Every effort was made that could
be devised to sus ain Mr.. Levin, the native candt
date, hut the people we're acquainted
With Colonel Florence. Tney had Witnessed
his labors IN former contests; ne had grown
upon their affections, and the result showed
that Colonel Florence carried his party 10 Q Oril-
liant trIumpH--a political victory-that Will l0ng
be remembered by the democracy or Pennsy
vania colonel Florence was siXJy-tnree years or
age. He improved hts mind By study and renec-
ton from ms youth. He did not mix In political
lie during some fourteen years past having pre-
Viousiy Jailed at an election for Congress-