Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-12-20
REV. DIR. w. IL. PLATT.
Death of This WeII-Known Episco-
pal Minister.

PETERSBURG. VA. December 10
(special)-Rev. DR.. William II. Plat. one
of the oldest and ablest divines OF the
Episcopal Church I'm Virginia, died at his
residence, in this city. Sunday afternoon
about 5 o'clock. For some time past there
had been a gradual but very perceptible
decline in his health, and the recent
death Of his beloved wife proved a shock
so severe as TO tell vlsibly upon him,
mentally and physically. After that sad
event 1t was hoped that a change of
scenes and associations might prove bene-
fetal, and a visit was planned for him
TO his son in New York, but his condition
grew so feeble that the trip was aban-
dOned.
Or. Plat was about II years of age,
and his life was one of untiring and in
cessant activity and broad usefulness. lie
was born in the State of New York, and
was educated 10 the profession of the
law, in which he attained both success
and distinction. lie went West to Mis-
souri, in his early career, and thence 10
Alabama. following his chosen profession
for some years. In Alabama he was prose
cutting attorney for his district, and com
manded a military company from that
state in the Mexican war.
subsequently he felt himself called to
the sacred profession Of the ministry, and
entered the church with a heart sanctifed
by the truths Of religion, and devoted his
life thereafter TO the preaching of the
glorious Gospel of Christ. In the pulpit
he quickly pressed TO the front, and his
learning, ability, and eloquence gained for
him a reputation that extended beyond
the limits of his adopted State of Ala
bama. In 1856 he accepted q call 10 the
rectorship of st. Paul's Episcopal church,
in Petersburg, succeeding the Rev. Or.
Horace Stringfellow. This was shortly
after the destruction by fire Of the old
81. Paul's church. on Sycamore street,
and it was during Or. Platt's ministry
that the handsome church on Union
street. since occupied by ST. Paul's on
|gregation, was completed.
Or. Plat was one of the most brilliant
men the Virginia pulpit has ever known,
and one of the most eloquent and effective
sneakers. He was the type Of the true
orator. His every gesture was grace it.
self. his every tone delightful, and his
manner and voice, whether in reading at
the lecturn. in preaching from the pulpit.
or in lecturing from the rostrum, pro-
claimed the orator, while the eloquence
and grace of his smooth flowing diction
riveted the attention and swayed the
hearts and minds Of his audiences. DR..
Platts congregations were always large,
and he was heard by all denominations.
During the last year of the war, when
Petersburg was besieged, the officers and
soldiers OF the Confederate army crowd
ed his church. The Confederate soldier
and the Confederate cause had a warm
place in his heart.
After the war DR.. Plat accepted a call
TO a large church in Louisville, KY, his
congregation here n the people of Pc
tersburR parting with him with the deep
est regret. From Louisville he went 10
San Francisco, and thence TO Rochester,
y. Y. preaching In each place for a mum
Der OF years. Rochester was the last field
of his active labOrs. About ten years ago
he resigned his charge there and returned
to Petersburg 10 pass his remaining days
among the faithful and loving friends Of
his earlier ministry. and he was warmly
by them. He accepted no charge
here. deyoting his leisure to writing. FIRE.
ouently. however, he preached and as
sisted In the services In our churches.
DIR. Platt published several books-one
or more theological; one a novel. which
obtained wide reading. He leaves the
manuscript OF an unfinished work upon
which he has been engaged for several
years. -,
DIR. Plat was three times married his
two last wives being residents OF Peters
burg-Miss Nellie Meade ana Mrs. Indiana
pannu who was also a Miss Meade. He
'oaves three sons and two daughters, none
~ Uhom reside here, several or them
having been with him during his
illness. O.,
Dr Platt's funeral took place from 81.
paurs church this morning at II o'clock
nov q s. Bunting, the rector, oihclating'
assisted by other clergy OF the city.