The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1894-05-14
OBITUARY..
Andrew H. Files.

Mr., Andrew H. Files, principal of the
North school, died Saturday evening,
after long illness, of pernicious
anemia, at the age of 81 years.
Mr.. Files was born at West Gorham,
June 10, 1892, and was therefore almost
81 years old. Until II years of age he
lived at his home in Gorham, attending
the village schools during. the winter.
III the fall of 1S47 Mr.. Files entered the
Gorham Academy, remaining three
years, and at the end of that time he be-
gan that active life as teacher which was
to continue uninterruptedly for more
than forty years. During his early years
ne taught in many towns in the vicinity
of Portland, among them Gorham,
Standish and Limington. In 1865, at the
age of 80, Mr.. Files was called to enter
upon his work in the schools of Port
land, having charge first of the Spring
street school, and later the Chestnut
street intermediate school. In May,
1874, when Mr.. Wentworth was appointed
superintendent of the reform school, Mr..
Files was named his successor as nrinci-
pal Of the North school. Had he been
able to remain at his place until May 10,
he would have completed his twentieth
year in this one position.
No teacher in this city exceeded Mr..
Files in the thoroughness and conscien-
tiousness of his work. His school was
the largest in the city, and in many
ways the most difficult. But it was
managed by him with consumma tie skill
and success. He was strict discipline
rian, yet he so united kindness with
irmness as to win not only the respect
but also the affection of his pupils. He
was considerate of the teachers, large
corps of whom was under his charge,
and while cemanding from them the
he himself observed, he was patient and
painstaking with the young teacher, as
sisting her with kindly counsel. He
was man of calm temperament and
courteous demeanor, and the uprightness
and dignity of his character impressed
themselves upon his subordinate teach
ers and his pupils, His temperament
was particularly adapted to the manage
ment of young pupils, and his natural
gifts had been supplemented by long ex-
perience and conscientious study of his
work His death removes from the ranks
Of the educators of this state one of the
most high-minded and accomplished
NJ emb ers. 1t makes vacancy in the
principalship of one of the most import
ant schools in this city, which it will
be very difficult to adequately fill. It
removes from the community an upright
and conscientious citizen, who has filled
a position from which has flowed great
and lasting influence i'll moulding their
character, both moral and mental, of
the rising generation, and directing the
steps into the paths of usefulness aud
honor. There is no profession that
brings greater responsibilities than that
of instructor of youth. No profession is
so far-reaching in it's influence. The
teacher who conf fehends his responsible
tiles and is faithful to Them ought to be
esteemed one of the greatest of public
benefactors. Mr.. Files was such a teacher.
In 1857, Mr.. Files married Sarah L. Yea
ton of New Castle, N H., who, with their
two children, Minnie A. and George T..
survives him.
The funeral will take place at the res
idence of the family, 81 High street, at
80 O'Clock, Tuesday.