Americus times-recorder. [volume] (Americus, Ga.) 1891-current, 1902-03-14
DR.. E. ]. ELDRIDCE
DIES SUDDENLY.
Prominent Citizen of Americas Pas
ses Away.
DEATH A VERY SEVERE SHOCK.
Retiring In Apparent Health He Is
Seized With ApoplexV and Expires.
His Death a Great Lossto City and
County.

Rarely has Americas been so pro-
foundly shocked as on yesterday
morning when came the announce
ment shat Dr. E j. Eldridge, one of
the most prominent, influential and
highly esteemed citizens, had sudden
ly expired during the night, death re-
sulting from apoplexy.
The blow was stunning one, and
the report could scarcely be credited.
| The picture of robust health; hale,
hearty and in the best of spirits DR.,
Eldridge had retired the night pre-
viOus. Tt was to fall into the last
sleep that knows no waking short of
eternity.
Shortly before midnight the first
paroxysm came, and ere a physician,
hastily summoned, could reach him
DR.. Eldridge had expired, The be-
lief was expressed that, possibly, some
small vessel about the brain was rup
tured, death resulting.
The announcement Of the death of
this prominent citizen aud polished
gentleman caused unfeigned sorrow
In Americas and Sumter county, to
which it is loss irreparable.
A dignifed, scholarly gentleman,
prominent in the foremost circles of
business here; q kind friend, his death
is public calamity.
For ha'f century, perhaps, DR..
EIdridge has resided here aud his in-
fluence for good is indellibly stamped
upon the community. His personal
effort and wealth were ever directed
III the upbuilding of this city and sec
ton, and his death is the loss Of every
citizen.
DR.. EIdridge was 30 we'll known
here that even brief sketch of his
life would seem unnecessary.
Every man, woman and child in the
city and county knew DR., Eldridge,
and not one is there who did not re-
gard him as a personal friend.
He was reared upon the eastern
shore of Maryland and at an early age
graduated with distinction from a
Philadelphia college of surgery Soon
thereafter he went to Europe and as a
surgeon IN the English army served |
throughout the Crimean war with
great gallantry.
Returning to America a few years
thereafter, he came to Georgia and |
cast his fortune here. And here he
has resided ever since.
At the outbreak Of the Civil War DR..
Eldrldge again went to the front DIS a
surgeon, beipg attached to the per-
sonal staff of General Howell Cobb.
During the four years of blood and |
carnage he remained at the front.
Since the close of that sauguiDary |
struggle DR.. Eldridge has been active
ly engaged in business in Americas,
conducting perhaps the largest drug
house in southern Georgia.
An excellent citizen and successful man
of affairs, he occupied many positions
of honor and responsibility here. For
years past he has served Sumter faith
fully as a member of the board of coun-
ty commissioners, position without
compensation and one requiring much
valuable time,
He was 7ice-president and director
of the Bank of Southwestern Georgia,
being one of its largest stockholders.
He was also director of the Planters
Bank of Americus. He was instru
mental in having the Columbus branch
of the Central Railroad bnilt to Ameri-
Gus and was one of the board of dIrec
tors.
Largely through his efforts the
Americus Library Association was or
ganized twenty years ago and has since
been maintained successfully,
A champion of public education, he
has for q long number of years been
president of the Americus Public
Schools. This he loved dearly, and
his best efforts were in it's behalf.
As citizen, a friend, man of the
highest honor and strictest integrity;
gentleman to the manor born, he was
respected and beloved by the entire
people of this section, and his loss Is a
calamity to south Georgia.
A wife and two sons by former mar
riage survive him. One of these, G.
Morgan Eidridge, resides in Tampa,
A, r. Eldridge residing in Chicago.
Upon their arrival today arrangements
for the funeral will be completed and
announced tomorrow morning.
In all probability the obsequies will
be held Sunday afternoon.