Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1879-03-31
PEARLY PORTALS PARTED.
The Demise of George III. Pep
pers.

pers. t
tbs with feelings Of deep regret that
we are called upon to chronicle the I'M
timely demise OF one OF Natures
noblemen," in the person OF George II.
Peppers, who died at his residence, No.
72i Market street, Saturday morning
last, after brief illness OF six days lie
leaves devoted wife, a large number
of relatives and friends to mourn their
loss. He was universally esteemed
wherever known, high minded, honor
able and generous to a iault. lie leaves
TO the world rich heritage, which thouS-
ands living might envy and emulate
an untarnished character.
Nlr. Peppers was born in the State OF
Delaware, on the 18th day OF August, 1851
but in the following year his parents,
who were humble and industrious pec-
pie, reu owed to Virginia and located on
a farm about FIVE miles above this city,
at what is known rs jlenn's Run. Here
he spent his childhood and youth,
working and receiving but meagre ed
ucation, such as the limited facilities ac-
corded forty wears ago. At the age OF
fifteen, George. by the death OF his
father, was lett not only to care Tor him.
sell. but 10 assist his mother In support
ing and raising four younger children,
and right manfully he did it. He began
his career as q steamboatman III 1911,
AS deckhand on the Old Brilliant,
then plying between Pittsburgh and
Cincinnati in the Pittsburgh and
Cincinnati steamboat line. Ills lntell-
gence and high moral character soon
caused his promotion to the position OF
watchmen and from that TO second male
of the steamer Cincinnati OF the same
line, Captain kuntz comman ing.
The following year he Was made
chief mate OF the Pittsburgh, and re-
mtined with this company until lSo2 or
'55, when the Union line OF steamers
began to ply between Wheeling anu
Cincinnati. He then entered the l mon
Line Company rs chief mate OF the Falls
CITY. next on the City Of Wheeling, re-
manning IN the line until it dissolved.
From 1876 TO 1860 he was mate oi the
Persia. John &. Fremont and other
boats plving between Pittsburgh and
New Orleans. In 1861 he run the
gauntlet OF the Confederate guns at
New Orleans, with the steamer HORIZON.
At that time all kinds OF steam craft
were being pressed into the Conledcrat"
service rs transports. The captain upon
learning that his boat was 10 be pressed
"let 90, and started up the river when
a cannon ball was fired into the boat,
striklngabOve the water line ami dong
but little damage. During the war oil the
rebellion he WAS mate oil the Liberty,
Liberty No. >, and other boats, with
Capt. John Booth, formerly Ot this city,
but now of Cincinnati, and Tor Il time
he was captain Of the Allegheny Belle.
In 1866, and for II long time, he was III
the Wheeling and Cincinnati tlade,
with CAPTAINS Fink and Muhleman, on
the old Potomac. For several years he
WAS chief mate of some of the largest
steamers on the Mississippi river, among
them the Mississippi, Natchez and
Thompson Dean. For the past few
years and up to the time OF his death
Mr.. Peppers has been mate OF the old
and new Andes. Tie was man OF fine
Judgment, great energy and genial dis
position, and perfect type OF physical
manhood. During the entire thirty-two
wears OF his lie as Il boatman he was
never out of Il situation, save from III
ness or stoppage OF navigation. lis
death not only leaves avoid IN the home
circle, which he loved with Il child-Iikc
simplicity, but also in his large circle Of
friends. Often in the summers twl-
light We have seen his neighbors and
their children gather around him, 10
listen to his stories OF boating in the
olden time. His brother bOatmen will
miss him, his brothers in the Lodge will
miss him. For many years he was II
member of Franklin Lodge !. q. .. F.,
who will take charge ol ms remains. lie
has fallen like the giant oak, in the
prime of his manhood and usefulness,
but his memory will live long in the
hearts of those who were the recipients
OF his kindness.
There's time when all earthly distinctions
will end,
When the worlds iaircst forms will all droop
and decay.
We may meet o'or the river as brother, and
friends
When the worlds fading beauty has all passed
away
All the. fame ami renown Of this wide world
below.
TAll the pride OF mankir d Inu,t ctcrnaiiy fall,
AMI the only distinction that God will DcNtOw
Is, he who is best Will bc greatest Of all