New-York tribune., 1907-12-15

man had been i'll only about week, being nrst
taken with bad cold which subsequently de-
veloped into kidney disease.
Bishop Leighton Coleman was in many respects
the most picturesque prelate in the Protestant Epis
copal Church A of indefatigabe energy he
has left behind him wonderful record as builder
of churches while his idea of a vacation was to go
fneognito long tramping trips through the coun-
try sleeping wherever night overlook him. in coun-
try INNS farmhouses, barns. deserted schoolhouses
whatever other shelter offered.
A militant churchman, he seemed to have inher-
tied characteristics both from his father. the Rev.
John Coleman. for many years rector of Trinity
Church, Philadelphia, and from his grandfather, a
veteran of the War of 1912, who at the battle of
Bladensburg won distinction by saving at the risk
of his life the national coors from falling into the
hands of the British.
The bishop born in Philadelphia on May g.,
1897 and received his education at St James School
ana the Episcopal Academy. Philadelphia, and at
the General Theological! Seminary. this city. from
which he graduated in 1861.
He was ordained to the diaconate in 1860. and
during his senior year the seminary served a
missionary 70 the public institutions Blackwells
and Randalls islands Immediately after his gradu-
alton he organized St Lukes parish in Busteton.
Penn. of which he the first rector. and was
instrumental in building there the Memorial Church
of St Luke. IN which he ordained to the priest
hood In 1852.
ite was rector or ST JOnu Churc1, Wilmington
DEL from 1853 to 1885, and in the latter year took
charge OF st. Jofln's Church. Mauch Chunk. Penn
He remained there until 1874. during which time he
was the means OF building several churches in that
town and its neighborhood In 1874 he went to
Trinity Church. Toledo. and in his three years
stay chiefly instrumental in the erection OF
various church buildings in and around that city.
While engaged he was unanimously elected
Bishop OF Fond du Lac, Wis. but declined the
honor.
et-s-- Eaafs hon
resigned his rectorshfp and spent the following
eight years in England. where he was constantly
engaged in ministerial work, and was for more
than two years the organizing secretary OF the
Church OF England Temperance Society Tor the
Diocese of Oxford.
Returning TO America, DR.. Coleman became rec
tor OF the Church of the Redeemer at sayre, Penn
for which he promoted the building of handsome
new edifice. He was elected Bishop of Delaware to
succeed the Right Rev. Alfred Lee, in i5ss and was
consecrated IN October of that year.
He was for many years active and Influential
member Of the American Church Temperance So
citey serving as vice-chairman OF It's executive
board He. also took deep interest in the Masonic
order and was for a time Grand Chaplain of the
Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania He also served as
Grand Prelate of the Knights Templar, Chaplain
General of the Society of the War of 1872 chaplain
of the Delaware Society of the Cincinnati ana as
vice-president OF tho Delaware Historical society
Honorary degrees OF Master OF Arts, Doctor OF
Sacred Theology and Doctor OF Laws were con-
ferred upon him by Trinity, Racine and Hobart
colleges, respectively.
piebon Coleman was the author Of many pub
lisbed ESSAYS reviews and sermons and of various
historical works, including 1.-The History OF the
Tabiph Valley" 1.-THE Church IN America ana
.e1-7a History OF the American Church
He was married in 1861 to FRANCES Elizapeth'
daughter of Alexis Irenee Du Pont They had one
SON the Rev. Alexis /. Du Pont Coleman. Of this
city. ~,
octerir+fc anecdotes have been told or
tho J3isbop's adventures his annual trampins
tours which he kept UP during period Oh ihore
than forty years. He was an expert hieii"e' VI
c1ocl,s and umbrellas and often won welcome oy
bls bandcraft but always refused pay Tor MS SER
vices At one time he was locked up oy i'oo"-
sinners on suspicion of being Secret service spy
On his last years tour although nearly seventy
,,ears Of age. he walked 30 miles In twenty-ohe
davs To these trips and to his abstinence he at
tributed his robust health He hoasted Una. ne il
a- tasted tea or liquor in his lire, co1ee ohS
orco and had smoked only two cigars sleep iS
-, tbo stlrnulant need" he was wont to declare.