Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1895-09-05

After Il lingering illncss William Her
bert passed away Thursday afternoon.
The record Of his life ia fully made up,
and in that record there is much which
it is profitable for other people to con
slider, much to inspire and encourage
ambitious young men who may be be-
ginning life under unfavorabe condi-
tions.
When the death Of Mr. Hcrbert's
father left him boy Of eleven years,
there was nothing in his station or ap-
parent opportunities to aid him in a
successful career. He was poor and
without powerful friends or relatives
1t was necessary for him to assist at
that early age in the work Of bread
winning for his widowed mothers
household. The elements Of success
were nevertheless with him. They were
to be seen not in surroundings or adj
vantages, but in the boy himself in
his energy, intelligence, honesty and
fidelity.
William Herbert was an example of
the self-made man, and every such ex-
ample is full of meaning for the boys
who must start TO climb the ladder
from the bottom rung. A marked char
acteristic of Mr.. Herbert was his never
failing sympathy for boys. II doubtless
came from the memory OF his own
boyhood struggles. While William
Herbert lived, the poor boys of New
Castle had at least one good friend.
In his prime, Mr.. Herbert was a
thorough man of business, energetic,
enterprising and alert His judgment
was prompt to act and sound in its
conclusions. He watched details and
understood whatever he had in hand
in all Of its bearings. He was not dis
posed, however, to- make money by
turning doubtful corners and making
short cuts; but he was, to the contrary,
generous in his dealings and as honest
as the day is long. He laid the founda
tions of an estate that would, with
different management in the last years,
have been a handsome fortune.
Those who have known the man init
mately, will not soon forget his grit
and courage. Not blusterer, he was
dauntless in the performance of duty.
The reputation Of his brave conduct in
breaking up single handed prize fight
after the ring bad been pitched and
hundreds of toughs from the cities
were around it, became for the time
national. He was then sheriff Of this
county, and succeeded in driving the
would-be prize fighters off Of the soil
of his State.
Everybody knows how William Her
bert was loved in New Castle-the town
in which he lived from early boyhood.
His popularity was AN illustration of
the proyerb: "He who would have
friends must prove himself friendly. -"
Mr.. Herbert was a true and staunch
friend to his friends, and he regarded
almost all of his acquaintance as
friends. If much affection was given
to him, it was because he proved a
large friendliness for others. He was
friend to the needy and to all in dis
tress. His heart was as big as his
house. He was friend Of the town in
which he lived, and of his county and
State.
Politicians sometimes marveled at
the continuing hold William Herbert
had on the masses of the people. Its
secret was in the genuine friendliness
of his character
For several years Mr.. Herbert had
been practically withdrawn from bust
ness and politics, hut for long time
he was great power in the politics of
New Castle county. He held number
Of lucrative and honorable offices, the
last being that Of State treasurer. A
man of the people, he was a life long
supporter of that political party which
he believed TO be devoted to the true
interests OF the great masses Of the
people.
Taken all in all William Herbert was
q notable man. Such faults as he may
have had-we all have our faults-sink
into forgetfnlness, and the people will
hold in remembrance the brave, rugged.
competent man, with his big kind
heart.
ooh l.