Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1893-04-20
Death Of Commodore Bridge

The venerable Commodore Bridge ire
uredl, peacefully
Like one that wraps the drapery OF his couch
Ahont MIN. and hes down TO pleasant dream,
fell on sleep" at his home, the Moor
ings." Saturday evening last. Although the
commodore had been in feeble health for
some time, he was apparently improving
and his sudden demise was severe shock
to his devoted wife, and a great surprise 10
all his friends,
The funeral took place from Trinity
church this morning, the solemn burial ser
vice being most Dpressivcly read by the
rector, the Rev. S. NJ. Wren. The inter
ment was under the direction of Mr. Tozier,
and the following gentlemen otticiated MS
pail bearers--N. c. Harris. Pr. e. l..
stevens, F. T. Page, Dana Mac Affee, W.
W. Sawyer. VI. z. Murray. The remains
were laid at rest in Tiora Point cemetery.
In beautiful harmony with the quiet.
,ligniiied and truly refined manner of
life the commodore led, there were ma
flowers. no ostentstous display, no eulo-
" at the obsequies. His daily life af-
fordea the highest eulogiufa that could have
been pronounced, and his painless depart
ure out of the world seemed to he n fitting
testimonial from the heavenly Father that
be Was walking with God.
Commodore Bridge was born in Augusta
Me. April s. 1896. consequently he had
nearly reached the close of his sIth year.
In 1921 he entered Bowdoin College, grad
ua,ing with the class of 25. During his
college course he was associated with
Franklin Pierce, Nathaniel Hawthorne.
Henry w. Lougfellow, and others who,
ike himself, won distinction and left their
Foot prints on the sands of time
A fter leaving college he read law and prac-
ticed for 4 few years, relinquishiny hi' pro-
fession to enter the navy as 4 paymaster
in 1887. When his devoted friend and col
lege mate, Franklin Pierce, became Presi-
dent, he was appointed paymaster-senerai
of the navy, position which he filed with
consummste ability and answering tiaeli-
ty for fifteen years covering the whole
period Of the Rebellion.
The relation existing between Mr.. Bridge
AMI Hawthorne was like unto the friend
ship of Jonathan and David. But for the
encouragement and pecuniary aid so grace
fully rendered by Mr.. I5ri 'ge the world
might never have known the gifted writer
of fiction. whose name is now immortal,
One of awthornes earliest books, The
Snow Image is dedicated TO his friend
and benefsctor, uora,io Bridge. Many
years ago the commodore wrote book en-
titled journal of au African Cruiser,
which, had = large sale both in this country
and in Europe. That his literary ability
had net deserted him is evidenced in the
series of articles. Personal Recollectious
of Nathaniel Hawthorne, published in Har-
pers' Magazine a year ago.
Although Commodore Bridge had attained
to the allotted perioi Of three score years
and ten when he came here he has always
taken deep interest in aud given liberal
substantial aid to every enterprise calculated
10 all in the religious, intellectual. moral
and material development of the town He
was a devoted churchman and gave Liberal
" for the PRONUNCIATION of the gospel, not
alone for his consecrated means. but in his
wise counsel and hearty encouragement of
his pastor. lie was constant and conscien-
iious in attendance upon and hearty partici-
patton in all the services of the church.
Commodore Bridge, though fitted by ma
ture and education tn stand among princes
"A peer of nobies--he was ever courteous
and polite to the humbliest individual.
demonstrating his right TO the grandest title
any man can aspire to--a guileless Christian
gentleman. In contemplating the death of
such man. one may well excisim, 30,
death, where is thy sting, Q grave where
is thy victory LET ME die the death Of
the righteous, and let my last end be like
his
Lilies dtful fever DER,
He sleeps we'll"
The Athens News.