Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1901-08-08
FUNERAL OF G. G. RATCLIFf.

4 ta
Impressive Services at the Methodist
| Episcopal Church in Milford.
! Special Correspondents Of Gazette and Journal.
Milford, Aug. THE funeral OF
George Grier Ratclilf, who lost his lie
while heroieally trying to save two
young women from drowning In Sine
puSeut Bay last Saturday, took place
| yesterday from the residence of hrs
parents, Mr.. and Mrs. John W. Rat
oliti, on South Walnut street, this
town, ard during the obsequies, which
consumed the greater part Of the after
noon, business was almost entirely sus-
| pended. Deceased was native of Mil
ford and as he spent hia boy hood DAYS
here, was we'll known and highly re-
spected. The funeral was attended not
only Ly large proportion OF the people
OF Milford, but also by relatives and
friends from Wilmington. Massaohu-
setts, Philadelphia, Chester, Salisbury
and other places.
The services were held in the Avenue
Methodist Episcopal Church and were
conducted by the pastor, the Rev. Frank
T. Harris, assisted by the Rev. Jona-
than 5, Willis, a former pastor; the
Rev. II. l.. Bunstein, pastor of the
Presby terian Church; the Row. Charles
A. Hill, pastor OF the Methodist Epis.
copal Church vi Salisbury, and the
Rev. George W. Wilcox, retired
Methodist clergyman OF that town.
The church was filled with sorrowing
relatives and friends.
After introductory remarks by Pastor
Harris and prayer by Mr.. BunsJein,
former Congressman Willis, VINO knew
lima sod ftu hos 4 II =.
address, in which he spoke OF tho esti-
hoy and as q man. lle pointed out that
the deoeased was always working tor
the uplifting of society and aspiring to
higher things and showed how we'll he
was succeeding when by his courage
and heroism he lost his life in trying
to save the lives Of others. He ex.
pressed the hope that the example set
BY the deceased might be emulated by
| other young men.
Mr.. Willis was followed by Messrs.
Wilcox and Hill, both Of whom had
known the deceased we'll during his
| period of residence in Salisbury. Both
oulogizod him and told, frou personal
knowledge and observation, OF the
| honest and upright life he had lived
They placed special stress upon his
efforts in tho direction Of aiding his
fellowmen and doing unto others as be
would have Others do unto him. IL was
pointed out where the deceased was
following the teachings of the Golden
Rule when he lost his life. He realized
| full we'll the risk he was taking, but
rather than SEQ his companions 90 to q
watary grave took his life In his own
hands in an effort to save them, in
| speaking 90 tina line OF thought Mr..
Hill pointed out that he was no less a
hero because he failed in his purpose.
| Mr. Hill said he was not surprised
| when he hoard how Mr.. Rntoliif had
lost his life. at was Just what I
| would have expected of him." he said,
knowing his character and the man
ner in which his heart went out TO
others In distress. -
In conclusion Pastor Harris said,
while he had not been personally
acquainted with the deceased, he knew
him by reputation and endorsed the
high tribute paid by the personal
friends who preceded him. An Of the
clergymen extended sympathy to the
hereayed family. The church choir
sang several hymns.
After the services at the church the
cortege proceeded to Odd Fellows ceme-
tory, where internent was made. The
services ut the grave were conduoted by
the Rev. Charles A! Hill. The pail
bearers were Leonard r. Wales, Will
liam O. Cooper, L. Atwood Bennett,
Senator M. v. Brewington, A. X.
Leonard and Frederick Atkins, all Of
Salisbury.
The body reposed in handsome oak
casbet, with silver handles and trim
mings and during the morning and
early part OF the afternoon was viewed
by hundredB of people at the house,.
Many relatives and friends sent hand
some floral tributes.
Deceased was member OF l.. II.
Scott Lodge, No. 352, A. Il. A. NJ, of
Chester, Pa, which vas represented at
| the funeral by Nathan Sharpless and
John Fairlamb. He was also a mem
Der Of Thomas j. Shryook Command
cry, No. II, Knights Templar, OF Sails
bury, and was closely identified with
Wicomico Lodge, No. 81, A. f. A. M,
of that city. The following Salisbury
Masons were present: W. M. Day, DR..
j. McFadden Dick, ii. q. Bird, A. II.
Leonard. A. A. Gillis, Judge @. #.
Holland. II. O. Freeney, s. X. White,
Hon. M. v. Bennington, L. p. Col.
bourn, the Reys. Charles A. Hill and
g.. W. Wilcox, Simon Ulmsn, Robert
ID. Grier, Frederick A. Grier and Hoe.
James E. Ellegood, with whom the de-.
ceased had been associated in the prao-
tice of law. Among others In attend.
anee were II. @. lie Fevre of Smyrna,
| H. ID, Hickey of Delmar and othere