New-York tribune., 1899-07-22

book containing his lectures In which ne gave
vent TO his religious views. In speaking OF God
he said: There may be one God or a million" He
simply said he did not know anything about It.
He always spoke Of the Bible a beautiful book.
and said ne would give all he possessed II he could
believe it. He frequently said that he hoped there
was a Paradise. but did not believe In THE
inspired Bible" he declared has been and Is the
greatest curse Of Christendom. and will 30 remain
long as It Is held to be inspired"
Colonel Ingersoll was exceedingly popular as a
lecturer and his reputation as an asnostic at
tracted thousands Of persons TO hear him. He
lecturer OF great eloquence and often in his
lectures which were brilliant he displayed true
poetic sympathy He famous. too. for his
bright. pleasant and humorous sayings and
repartee. SHOW him egg" he once said. In
speaking about sangune man. "and instantly
the air is full OF feathers"
His home life. It is said. nearly perfect
as could be. He carried out in practice his
theories about the rights OF women and children.
He frequently sat up late, after delivering a ect
ure. talking with the members OF his family and
his friends. and 1t is said that his talks those
occasions always sparkled with his wit. In regard
to his sympathetic nature. it is said that he gave
up his criminal practice because II wore on him
much" When he had an uncertain murder case
hand all his sympathes aroused. and he
could not sleep or do anything else until the case
ended.
1t is reported that Colonel Ingersolrs income
large While he was living In Washington for sew
parSmenary s SES a%yer and ectarer % Before he
went to Washington he railroad lawyer
chiefly For several years he was railroad presl-
dent.
Colonel Ingersoll married in 1852 at Grsveland,
Ill, Miss Eva A. Parker, daughter Of Benjamin
On November 20. 1886 Colonel Ingersoll was
stricken with paralysis after delivering a lecture
at Freeport III. He was taken 10 the Great North
ern Hotel. in Chicago where he remained in
precarious condition for some time
Colonel Ingersol had hosts Of friends, and always
a CHEEKY word for those he knew. While ne was
leaving his office last Wednesday ne seld 10 one
OF the elevator IN the building:
Are you glad that you are alive
Yes, sir, answered the elevator man.
Now, tell why" said lneersol.
WELL" said the elevator man. i know tnat m
alive. and it's good 10 know. Some Things we want
TO know and never will know -,uA. 4. ..,d ,,o
'rI don't know but what you are right, SAID the
Colonel fngersou paid little attention TO the criti-
The fact that seasons Of prayer for his conversion
were observed In some churches did not AFFECT him
in the least because he held that Christianity was
aristocracy. He was always friend OF the labor
ing classes. He had an exceptionally strong Son-
stitution. and always enjoyed good health which
was Indicated in his clear eyes and ruddy face
ine about two Hundred and ten pounds.
Colonel Ingersoll gave literally TO all good works,
whether Catholic Methodist, Baptist or other
sects His house in this city Is at No. III East
Twenty -frst-st II is large, roomy house; ana
occupants likes and fads. The library is large
and rich Works of art. statuary and BOOKS IN
profuson everywhere, and Shakespeare mas the
predominant place in everything.
AT Dobbs Ferry he took an active interest In
political affairs and threw much ardor into his
eio1uence in village affairs as he ever did when
speaking In a National campaign his last locaI
Appearance was last fall when during the cam
his brother Eben Clark Ingersoll, who was at
one time a Congressman. died several years ago.