The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-01-18
HISTORIAN BANCROFT DEAD.
In f1rmities Incident to Old Age the
Cause of Eis Demise.

In f1rmities Incident to Old Age the
Cause Of Eis Demise.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 1.-THE community
was greatly shocked this evening by the
news that George Bancroft, the venerable
historian, was dead. 1t had been realized
thas Mr.. Bancroft could hardly survive
much longer the increasing infrmities in
cldent to his extreme age, but he has been
in cheerful spirits and apparently better
health this year since his return from New
port than for several SEASONS past, so that
his death was sudden aad uue expected to all
save few intimate friends who knew of
the attack Of illness which carried him of.
His death occurred at $40 o'clock this
afternoon.
THE END QUIET AND PEACEFUL
The end was quiet and peaceful, and came
after period Of Inconsistencies, lasting
about twenty-fOur hours He was in fine
health and spirits, had an excellent appetite
and good faculty for sleep until last week,
when he caught slight cold. He had
always lived carefully. but generously, and
had said repeatedly within tho last six
weeks that be had never slept better nor
had a better appetite. Notwithstanding
his cold, he continued to seek outdoor exer-
else every day until Thursday, when he took
to his bed as matter of precaution. His
whole illness was less than three days. He
failed rapidly yesterday, and became IN
conscious in the afternoon, In which state he
remained until the end.
A SKETCH OF ms LIFE.
He was born in October, 1900, near
Worcester, Mass, his father being
an eminent Unitarian minister He
entered Harvard College at the early
age of IS, and after graduation entered
Enttinernr1 sNuiu lNfxy IN ,v@1, h..
studied history and philosophy and took the
degree of doctor of philosophy. He spent
much time at Berlin, where he met many
scholars and Others men of note.
In his travels through Germany
he had the satisfaction of long interviews
with Goethe and Schlosser. Subsequently
he visited other principal cities in Europe
before returning home. After his return he
spent several years as a tutor, and then en-
tered politics, and attaining prominence was
appointed collector of customs at Boston.
All this time he continued his literary labors
and lectured upon German literature and
philosophy.
In 1SA5 he became Secretary Of the Navy.
To him is due the credit of establishing the
first naval observatory at Washington, and
also OF establishing naval school at Annap-
oils. In 1646 he was appointed minister TO
England, where he remained until 1S49
voted much time to the collection of ma
terial for his history Of America. In 1852
his history of the revolution In North
America gave the result OF his researches.
He had previously published a history of
the American colonies His history of
America, including all these writings, ap-
peared in 1874. he was minister to Germany
from 1867 to 1874, and aftervard he was
the chief contributor to the North hAmertc0n
ReUtelU.
In, 1876 his American history was re-
vised, and volumes IL and IL were added.
He was member of many learned socie-
ties in different parts Of the world Besides
his history he was the author Of many
other works of great merit. His memorial
address on chs life and services of of Abra-
ham Lincoln was, at the request Of congress,
delivered before that body. His last ad-
dress was delivered at the opening of the
third meeting Of the American Historical
Association, Of which he was president. in
Washington, April 27, 1886. Until very re-
Gently his well-known figure was seen fire.
quently on the streets of Washington.