National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1875-08-28
OBITUARY.
William Craig, Artist.

tFrom the New York Herald, August I'll
The SAD intelligence reached the city yesterday
that William Craig, the foremost artist of hts day
in water color painting, was drowned In the depths
Of Lake George. Up to this hour nothing has
been learned Of the particulars Of his death, ne-
Their by any member Of the fraternity to which he
belonged nor BY his relatives who reside here in
New York. All that can be ascertained Is that
while pursuing bis professional studies along the
lake some mishap occurred by which he lost his
life. --'
The history Of the man Is 90 remarkable. his
genius 20 versatile, yet 50 deep and profound his
successes so numerous. and the amount Of work he
turned out 50 great that the sad ending Of his Ca
reer, while yet scarcely middle aged, will send
q pang Of regret to many o human heart,
William Craig was born in the city Of Dublin Ire
land, December II, 1879, consequently he was at
the time OF his death about forty years Of age
He began while quite young to develop his pc.
culisr iaculty and at the tender age Of eight had
finished his first picture Art to him was Innate
may, seemed to burn within him like hidden
IRE. So passionately devoted was he to It, that
his sleep, and when missing would always be
found broodfnR over some incompleted sketch, or
else copying from some picture that tosk his
no little qualification this genius In his child al
last became alarmed at the neglect he was show
Ing to bis studle,, forbade him from pursuing his
art, and compelled him to devote his Attention
rigidly to his books. Up to the age Of fourteen,
therefore, he received good training In the fun,
uhmcnIhl OIbuCues VI tue HchQomy, out after this
brief term Of years he quilted school and until
his untimely death has devoted himself exclu.
sively to his art.
His irst success was highly natterIng and was
received when only ffteen years Of age, when ow-
ing to the marked excellence Of 0 water color
sketch which the young artist had sent In to the
him q handsome premium. This so encouraged
him that he confined himself still more riRidly 10
his easel, and at sixteen received another pre-
teen the Lord Lieutenant gave him what Is
known as the highest certificate OF merit, !" upon
the presentation Of which he was informed that
therefore could contend no more for any prize Of.
Craig had already secured ali the first prizes II
the society, and accordingly felt hlmself war.
ranted in setting out for his fortune.
He proceeded TO England, where he met with
fond reception and enjoyed the Instruction Of the
best masters. His pletuses bore the marks or
such consummate genius and skill that they met
prizes in the best English academies. After
leaving England he travelled all over Seotland,
bSs2s /. the ls,, Len h
United States. Coming with q great transit.
lanto reputation, his brothers on this side OF ne
water esgerly crested him, and he, along with
four other noted artists In water eoiorS, founded
fhe American Water Color socisty, which Is now
would hurry him oif 70 the tropical regions Of our
for South, snd sumner In the South would alike
s sSty s sss y Sss u: aa az
painted muebI no artist, perhaps, ever lived who
tsfnsd OF 90 much thai WIS done 90 Wsili and
yestefdsf when hs diee, ne y % fal Hing heavy
sept him 10 the lovely regions Of the ttofisoH,
In stature be Vas I've ret eight Inches 10 height
exceedingly Eeod, He hss ffedasaIiy been hsaM
70 lsy that Pc never experienced sh hour Of ssk.
ness IN be llfel Hls taee was DARK, Rad covered
With heavy black beard, His eyes and half
were alse elAtk. HIS disposition was happy aad
Wind, aha hls heart % tender and liberal ss his
genius, lie leaves no family,