The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1891-01-19
o sITuARY.
George Bancroft.

croft. the venerable historian, died at bis
home in thi, city at $50 this afternoon. He
had been sick only two days, aud was on the
streets up to three days ago. On Thursday
he took to his bed as a matter of precaution.
but was taken seriously Ill yesterday. From
that time until this afternoon he failed rap
idly, AMI all day hoveied between life and
death. At.2 p. m. the doctor left. thinking
that Mr.. Bancroft would live through the
night, but before the hour was up Mr.. Ban
croft was dead. His end was quiet and
peaceful, and the first cause Of death was
simply the weakness of old age. His son
was at the bedside when the aged historian
died.
1t was decided this evening to hold the fu-
neral services at IL O'Clock Tuesday, in ST.
Johns church. The interment will take
place at Worcester. Mass. where his wife is
buried.
Mr.. Bancroft was born in Worcester,
Mass. October 3. 1900, and was consequently
Phillips-Exeter, and graduated at Harvard
In 1917. He took an advanced course at Got
tingeD, Germany, for two years, receiving
the degree of Ph. ID. in 1920. de afterwaId
extended his studies at Berlin and Heidel
burg. Ia ioz2- sse returned to the United
States and became a tutor n Greek at Hsr-
ward, where he remained one year. Dering
that time he preached sermons and also pro
duced volume of poems. For several
years he conducted school at Northampton
and delivered several lectures and oratiOns.
In 1880 he was elected to the state iegisla-
tuIe without his knowledge.
The first volume of his world renowned
History OF the United States appeared In
1884, and since that date this work has been
his life work, In 1888 he was collector OF
cratic candidate for governor of Masracnu
setts, but was not elected. he entered the
cabinet Of President Polk as Secretary OF
the Navy, and conducted the affairs of the
department with signal ability during his
term He established the Naval Acadeny,
and planned many other important enter
prises. He acted for a time as Secretary Of
war, in addition to his other duties, and as
such officer planned the moves into Mexico
at the outbreak of the war; From 1886 TO
1919 Mr.. Bancroft was minister 10 Great
Britain. In 1868 he went to Russia, and the
following year he was transferred to Berlin,
where be remained until 1871, when, at his
own request, he was relieved. Mr.. Ban
cr0tt's diplomatic services were many and of
an important nature, principal among tnem
being a settlement Of the northwestern
boundary question.
All this time he was working on his histO-
ry. which was issued in complete form in
1874. lu 1876 centenary edition was issued
and from tn It date to a short time before his
death Mr.. Bancroft wa, at work revising
and adding to it.
Mr.. Bancroft was made ID. G. l.. at Oxford
University in 1S49. and Ii. ID. at Brown in
1868.
Be ide the history, Mr. Bancroft published
several volumes of speeches aud briefer his
torical works.
Mr.. Bancroft has had residence In Wash
ington for the past 20 years, and Is one of
the lew citizens who had the privilege of the
Hpor OF both houses of Congress. He had
summer reSldSnna- In NsePers. Il l. IN hieh.
Ike his Washington home, was flied with
roses, OF which he was a great lover. Up to
within the past three years Mr.. Bancroft
been devoted equestrian, and he was ac-
customed TO attribute his long life largely to
this.
connecticut's Oldest Woman Dead.
New MILFORD. Conn, January 17.-Betsy
Averili OF New Preston, aged 103 last May,
the oldest person in Connecticut, died Of
pneumonia last night. She was strong and
mad clear mind to the end,
David Powers.
: HAvERHILL. January 18.-David Powers,
one of the best known hOrsemen In New
England, died here this morning. He was
prominent citizen, director of KenoZa
Ir0tting Park Association, and part owner
Of the park. He leaves widow and six
children.