The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-02-12
DEATH OF 4. ]. ELLICOII
The Well Known Washington
Sculptor Passes Away.
Expires After an Exceedingly Brief
Illness Notable Contributions to
the Art of the National Capital ami
Other Cities Several of the
Statues Which Made Him Famous.

Henry J. Ellicott, one of the best known
of American sculptors, whose work has
achieved wide recognition, died sud- My
yesterday morning. at his home, 1868 CAL
ifornia Avenue. He had been in good
health up to Saturday, when he was taken
slightly ill, but no serious consequences
we're anticipated, and he did not think
himself in dangerous condition. He he
lieved that he was threatened with
heavy cold, and maintained his usual good
nature and genial characteristics.
Sunday morning he was somewhat worse
and n physician was summoned. His case
developed very rapidly and shortly after
10 O'Clock yesterday morning he died of
pneumonia. 1t was found that both of his
lungs were badly affected and some time
before he died his throat and tongue be-
came paralyzed On Friday he was in ex-
cellent health and in company with his
wife he called upon Mr.. Simmons, the
sculptor who designed the Logan statue,
and remained with him at his apartments
in the Hamilton House during the even
ing. But few of his friends knew that he
had been Ill when the announcement OF
his death was made.
Mr. Ellicott was man of rare ability
and his work ranks among the best pro-
auctions of American art. He was born
near Ellicott City Nd, which city was
named in honor of the family to which
he belonged His ancestors settled in
Maryland in colonial times, and were
among the most distinguished families Of
the State Major Andrew Ellicott. thu
great grandfather OF the deceased, was
civil engineer and assisted L'Enfant in
laying out the streets of the city Of Wash
ington.
Much Of Mr. Ellicotts boyhood was
spent in this city and it was while he
was still a student in school that he be-
gan TO develop his artistic talent. His
work as sculptor first attracted attention
when as a schoolboy he modelled, in snow,
bust of Judge Otto, then a prominent
local attorney, who had an office in F
Street It possessed so many points OF
merit that the lad was encouraged 10
work in clay and plaster of paris, and he
soon had a local reputation as an ar
fist. He then went to New York, where
he spent three years perfecting his art in
the Academy of Design. Afterwari he
went to Europe and studied the work OF
the great masters in the art centres OF The
He lived for many years the free and
easy life often followed by men of genius.
He was true Bohemian and was every
where recognized as prince OF good fell
lows. One of the experiences which he
prided most in narrating was Of an occa-
sion when, having spent his last coin, he
became hungry and had no money witt!
which TO purchase food. Suddenly he
recollected that he carried in his mouth a
very expensive tooth filled with gold. He
went to a dentist who took cut the pre-
ctous metal and paid him Sc for it. That
sum placed him beyond want until his
skill, which was always in demand, could
gain him other means.
In Washington he had a host OF friends
| in all walks of life, who greatly enjoyed
| his acquaintance and companionship. He
| had an ineXhaustble fund of stories anC
experiences. and as conversationalist
| possessed marvellous charm and fascina
| ton. His productions as an artist were
| of a high character and he left behlnt
| him work which will long endure in fame
| Among his most notable contributions t
art are the equestrian statue of Genera
| Hancock at Pennsylvania Avenue and Sew
| enth Street, the equestrian statue of Gen
| eral Mcclellan in front of the City Hal