Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1891-11-26
MIR. FLOREscEs' DEATH
Regrets at the Actors Demise - Tho
Absent Widow Notified by Cable.

| PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 19.-William j.
| Florence, the actor, died at the Continental
Hotel, this city, at $50 O'Clock this even
| ing, of pneumonia after q weeks illness
Death came as startling surprise to those
IN attendance, for the reason that his con-
dition had been considered as improving
| during the afternoon and early evening.
Only Mr.. Florences sister-in.law, Mrs.
Barney Williams; his sister, Mrs Norman
Wizard Of Washington, and DIR. Patrick
Donnellan were with him when he passed
away. He had been apparently getting
better and the physicians had no idea that
the end was so near. MIR. Florence was
very. weak during the day from exhaustion
ana Ill the afternoon WAS somewhat Eighty.
Toward evening he slept most of the time,
however, and his death came so peacefully
that it may be said he slept away.
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 20.-Numerous tee.
grams from the many friends of Mr.
Florence were received this morning at the
Continental Hotel, where the eminent
actor died, expressive of the sympathy and
regret of the senders at the death of their
friend. Mr.. Florence's brother, Inspector
Conlin of Brooklyn, reached here about
io.3o O'Clock this morning and will make
the arrangements for the funeral. General
Passenger Agent j. X. Wood of the Penn
sylvania railroad this morning extended
the courtesy of a special train for the
transportation of the body from this city
70 the place where it shall be decided the
interment will take place.
The propretors of the Fifth Avenue
Hotel, New York, tclegraphs that as Mr..
FLORENCE had always lived there his family
should consider it as his home, and if they
desired the funeral could take place from
there. After sending brief dispatch in
some measure to prepare for the shock the
following cable was sent to Mrs. Florence
in | f,nInt, l,,r1 T-s
Florence, and Mrs. Barney Williams, sis
Ter OF Mrs. Florence: Dearest sister, with
urutterable and profound grief, we send
you the terrible tidings that our beloved
one suddenly became worse, and at $50
this Thursday night passed away quietly,
peacefully and painlessly. His last
thoughts and his constant words were in
tenderness for YOU. Telegraph, dearest,
whatever suggestion you wish to give us.
Everything has been done and all will be,
as we feel you would wish it to be-"
An answering cablegram was received
this morning from Mrs. Florence i'll which
she expresses the wish that her husband
should be buried in the Catholic faith and
that the funeral should take place from
s.. Agnes Roman Catholic Church, New
York
Upon receipt of Mrs. Florence's cable
the pastor of st. Agnes Church was tele-
graphed in reference to the funeral taking
place from his church. A telegram was
also sent accepting the offer of the pro-
priotors of the Fifth Avenue Hotel that
The body should lie there until the funeral.
ME-. JEFFERsoN's DEEp REGRET.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich, Nov. 20--Joseph
Jefferson last night. in speaking of MIR.
tiotcnce, among many other incidents
dweltt specially upon his numerous private
benefactions. One fact but little known
said he, is that Mr.. Florence was the
Founder of the Order of Mystic
shrine. In religion he was d
Catholic and member of the knights
of st. Patrick. When bidding me fare
well at Philadelphia, Mr.. Florence said
Good bye, old boy, I'll soon catch up
with you" From all reports we surely
thought he would do so, and his death is 4
engagement at Detroit tomorrow night
Will certanlysbe deferred out of regard to
his memory.
New Y6RK, Nov. 23.--The body of
William ]. Florence found a temporary
resting place in the receiving vault ut
Greenwood cemetery, whittier it was taken
alter the funeral service, in st. Stephens
Church, and there it will remain until the
arrival from Europe of the widow of the
actor when it will he conveyed to Il final
resting place in the family plot. In the
early morning there was but little about
the Fifth Avenue Hotel to denote the
solemn occasion. Soon after 0 o. clock the
pall-bearers began to appear. MIR. Palmer
was the first OF these gentlemen to arrive,
while Edwin Booth was the last
The casket was closed about midnight
for the members of the family had taken
their last leave. When the body was taken
from the Twenty-third street entrance OF
the hotel about $50 o'clock there was a
large crowd on the street. Palm leaves
SEM by Mr.. Augustin Daily were placed at
the head while the gift Of Mrs. Barney
Williams, similar offering, was placed at
the foot of the casket.
The casket was taken by six under
takers attendants from the hotel to the
hearse proceeded by the pal-bearers, with
Messrs. Edwin Booth and A. M. Palmer in
the lead. Then followed the family,