The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1889-08-15
RlTUARY.
Or. George w. Il. Libby.

DENVER, Col, August 14.-The friends Of
DR.. George W. II. Libby in different parts of
New England will be greatly panied to learn
of his early death at the age of %. He
passed to his rest early in the morning of
Saturday, August 3rd. A brief sketch of his
life will be welcomed by the very many in
whose memories he will long be cherish ed.
DR.. Libby was born In Standish, Maine,
May 1, 1861. In his boyhood he availed him
self to the utmost of the advantages of the
country schools, and, at the age Of 16, en-
tered the Classical Institute at Waterville,
from which he was graduated in the summer
of '79.
He became member of the next Fresh
man class in Colby University. graduating
with high honor in 49,
His student life must have been marked
by energetic application, eminent faithful
ness and loyalty to right conditions certain
ly requisite to secure the beautiful testimo-
nlal Of character and scholarship given to
him at his graduation by DR.. Pepper, then
president Of the University.
cipal OF the academy at Houlton, Me.
In the Autumn of 'SI, he began his pro-
fessional studies in the Maine Medical
School.
Completing his studies here he became
house officer in the Worcester, Mass, CITY
work here was ardu0us, and in the summer
OF 'S8, when he closed his labors in the hos
pital he recognized the fact that he had too
severely taxed his strength, but, though
his old home in Maine, to stay with him un-
til he should regain his vigor. his ambition
compelled him to return soon to Worcester
to begin the practice of his profession. His
prospects were brilliant and in six months
he had won an enyiable reputation as ply
m ho O ~ OF kl.a
veloped such serious pulmonary trouble as
to render imperative an immediate removal
to a more favorable climate.
He was married to Miss Mary Gordon OF
Mercer, Me-, the 23rd of last April, and a
few hours later started for Denver, arriving
here on the 9th.
An immediate attack Of pneumonia con-
fined him TO his bed for three weeks and
made great ravages upon his strength.
Yet he arose from this still hopeful. He
selected the most favorable section of the city
for residence, and when the heat became in
tolerable. he went into the foothills, but not
withstanding all the best medical ad vice, the
best surroundings, the best care he could
possibly have, he rapidly failed. A fortnight
since he came back to Denver, still confident
was he undeceived until within less than a
week Of his death. When told that he could
live but few days, he was surprised, but
wholly unmurmuring. His older brother
was summoned from Maine, and the doctor
fought back death, striving in every possible
way TO preserve his strength that he might
see his brother. But the latter reached Den
yer only in time to accompany and assist
Mrs. Libby in the removal of the body to its
last resting place in Standish. The Doctor was
valued member Of the Salem street Congre-
gational church Of Worcester, and a much
honored ond loved teacher of class of young
business men in its Sunday school.
Letters received by him from the Patho-
logical Society OF Worcester, OF which he
was secretary; from the Massachusetts Med
ical Society, of which he was a fellow; from
his pastor, his Sunday school class and other
friends, all bespeak the high estimation in
which he was held, and deep regret for his
removal from Worcester. His pastor, in a
letter of introduction to one of Denver's
wealthiest and most prominent citizens, calls
him modest, able and highly promising
physician. In another letter of introduction
his scholarly habits and lofty character are
mentioned. These and others were letters
he was never able to present to the persons
addressed.
In his sickness he was Ipatient, usually
cheerful, sometimes even humorous, thought
full Of others comfort, and it will crafty his
friends to know that his last hours were full
Of that peace which attends the assurance
that "all is well.'
Rev. J. Crossett.
Inc department OF Otale mas received from
the legation at Pekin, China, an account of
the death and extraordinary life work of
Rev. ]. Crossett, an Independent American
missionary in China. He died on the steam
er Ell Dorado en- route from Shanghai to
Tientsin, June 21st last. In speaking of Mr..
Crossett, Minister Derby couples his name
with that of Father Damien, the French
missionary who died in the island of Molskai,
and says Mr.. Crossetts life was devoted to
doing good to the poorest classes of Chinese.
He had charge of the winter refuge for the
poor at Pekin during several winters. He
would 60 out on the streets on the coldest
nights and pick up destitute beggars and
convey them to place Of refuge, where he
provided them with food. He also buried
them at his own expense. He visited all
prisons, and often procured the privilege of
removing the sick to his refuge. The officials
had implicit confidence In him and allowed
him to visit at pleasure all prisons and
charitable institutions. He was known bv
the Chinese as ;the Christian Buddha. He
was attached to no organization of men. He
was missionary, pure and simple, devoted
rather TO charlty than proselytism. Charit-
able people furnished him money for his
refuge, and he never seemed to want for
funds. He slept on a board or on the floor.
even In his last hours being a deck passen-
ger on the El Dorado. He refused to be
transferred to the cabin. but the kind car
tain, some hours before he died, removed
MIN 70 berth, when he passed away still
speaking OF going to heaven and entreating