Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-01-17
Death of BENJAMIN T.. Bates

The entire business community was shocked,
this morning, at the news of the decease Of Ben
iamin L. Bates one of the most successful and
best IN own merchants of Boston. Mr.. Bates's ca
reer has been one of the most marked in every
particular. The deceased was born in the town
of Norton Bristol county. Hi. father was an
eminent clergyman While young he came 10
Boston and entered upon his future business ca
reer in a retail dry goods store on Washington
street. But his business capacity was not to he
narrowed to thi, limited sphere. and in a sho t
time, under the style of Davis, Bates Il Turner.
removed to Central street, where he commenced a
career that made the firm one of the largest dry
goods iobbers and importers in Boston. Suisse
auently the firm removed to Water street aud
finally to Milk street.
Mr.. Bates early became interested in the devel-
opment of New England manufactures, aud upon
the dissolution of the firm Of Davis, Bates d
Turner, he threw all his energies in this direction
Twenty years ago his attention was directed
to the magnificent water power on the AndroscoF-
gin river at Lewiston, and he Instgsted what was
known as the Lewiston Water Power Improve
ment Co., aud it was through his personal energy
and bis great business ability and his financial
strength that this finest water power in New Eng.
land eliminated in the grand success it has since
maintained. lie WAS the first treasurer and has
been associated in the same capacity with one or
more of the mills ever since.
In the early history OF railroads Mr.. Bates WA
a warm advocate OF every enterprise that looked
to the improvement of business and contributed
literally of his means. la the course OF his life
he has been associated with most of the leading
railroads. including the Union Pacific, as director
and stakeholder.
Of his business life, prominent merchant long
| associated with him, remarked 1T WAS without
blemish, and it noted tor its spotless integ-
ity as 1t was for its almost unparalleled success
Another merchant remarked: The shock of the
news is SO great that the business world will hard
ly realize for some time that he has gone"
As fnancer he displayed remarkable abilities
For nearly the entire period since its organization
he has been President of the National Bauk Of
Commerce, and director in several other banking
and insurance companies.
Prominent among his leading characteristics
was his deep attachment to the cause of religion.
bensvolence and charity. In 1884 he became one
Of the original society known AS Rev. Mr.. Rogers
then worshippng at the Odean, on Federal street
now known as the Central Church. He was
great sdmirer of Mr.. Rogers and a devoted friend,
aud all through the many changes the society has
passed through he has been its fast friend and to
it unsparing Of bis aid lie was the founder OF
Bates College In Lewiston, and through his hber-
atty and devotion 1t has become one Of the most
hourishng colleges In the State. He was also
connected with and large contributor TO the sew
eral benevolent and religious societies. He had
an aversion to notoiieiy and dislike for public
life in any form, and never accepted any pub
lie Office. He was great lover of agriculture and
stock raising, and devoted largely of his meanssn
INDUCING this taste, having splendid farm IN
the town of WATERFOWL.
In his social intercourse he was the gentleman
and the christian. His circle of social acuuaint.
ance was large and as marked as that of hi.
business Acquaintance, and in the one he was as
much beloved as in the other he was respected
His death was that Of the christian and a reflec-
ton CT his life. few days before his sickness
in q conversation al his place OF business upon
death, be remarked, "When we are called to die
the dying grace will be given" He had lived bl,
three score years and ten, though age had left no
marks upon him. He has lief, record that can BE-
held up as a model to those who come after him
Few if any whose names have been added to the
long list Of departed during the past half century
will be more sorely missed or more sincerely
mourned.
Mr.. Bates was twice married. BY his first wife
he had one daughter, Mrs. Hammond of New
York. BY his second wife, nee Miss Gilbert, who
survives him, he leaves three children one sou
about fifteen years of age, and two daughter..
His age WAS 20. The Immediate cause of his
death was pronounced by his physician to be
heart disease.-Boston 1rdpsller.