Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-02-23
PROF. v. B. IRELAND
DEAD At AGE Of 65
For Twenty Years Connected
With the Public Schools
of Washington.

Prof William B. Ireland, for twenty
years connected with the Washington
public schools and at one time principal
of the Tenleytown Public School, died
at II o'clock last night of acute pneu-
monia. at his home, 45O9 Wisconsin ave-
nue. northwest.
The news of his unexpected death was
a distinct shock to the members Of the
board of education, as we'll as to his
many friends in Tenleytown, where he
had lived since his residence in Washing
ton.
1t was only last Wednesday evening
that Mr.. Ireland attended an entertain
ment and appeared to be in the best of
health. He contracted a severe cold in
the chest while returning to his home.
The cold developed into acute pneumonia,
and, despite the efforts of his physicians,
he sank rapidly, and early last evening
it was realized that he could not live
longer than few hours.
Funeral Plans Incomplete.
Arrangements for the funeral have not
been completed, but services will be held
some time tomorrow at the Ireland home
under the auspices of William r. Single
ton Lodge, No. 80, F. A. A. NJ, Of which
he was an active member. Relatives in
Long Branch, N. j., his former home,
have been notified of his death, and ar
rangementS will be made to take the
body to Long Branch for interment in the
family burying lot. 1t is probable some
member of the family will come to Wash
ington to conduct the body, as Mr.. Ire
land was a bachelor and had no relatives
living in Washington.
Throughout his service Of twenty years
in the local public schools Prof Ireland's
record was an enviable one, and his pub
lie spiritedness and friendliness won him
many admirers.
Prof. Ireland was responsible for many
of the more modern, up-to-date methods
now in vogue In the public school system
in Washington, and his influence and eff
forts, particularly In regard to the Ten
leytown school, in recent years were
largely responsible for its growth and de-
velopment along broader educational
lines.
Active Civic Worker.
Although Prof. Ireland spent a great
part of his time in reading and studying
he took an active interest in civic affairs
in Tenleytown. For many years he had
been a prominent member of the Citizens
Northwest Suburban Association. and
chairman Of its library committee. In
his native town he had taken interest
in Masonic affairs and upon his arriva
in Washington Joined the William r.
Singleton Lodge, No. 30. an organization
whose meetings he regularly attended.
He also was member of the Junior
Order of Mechanics, Chapter No. 80, and
the Order Of Red Men. Delegations from
all of these bodies will be in attendance
at the funeral services tomorrow.
Prof. Ireland's exact age is not known
but he was about sixty-five years old
and until his recent illness had been In
uniformly excellent health. He boarded
at the home of Mrs. Alice Hunt in Ten
leytown.
Prof. Ireland was born in Long Branch.
N. j.. and received his early education in
the state public schools. He taught for
a number of years in schools and was q
professor in one Of the smaller New Jer-
sey colleges. 1t was while he was en-
gagged in this work that he received an
appointment as teacher in WASHINGTON.
Mr.. Ireland was veteran Of the civil
war, and was known as public-spirited
man. He used to take the boys Of bis
neighborhood camping in summer, and
was connected with several civic move
ments.
He came to this city in 1891 He was
on duty at the Tenley School during his
here he taught in the public schools of
New Jersey for eight years, in the Long
Branch IN. JD High School for nine
years. and was supervising principal of
the Asbury Park public schools for eight
He was educated in the Ocean Institute
in New Jersey and in the Asbury Park
Summer School
A. T. Stuart, former superintendent Of
the schools Of this city. spoke highly o.
Mr.. Ireland today, saying he was a fine
man and great worker in civic affairs.
Principal Bernard T. jan
ney of the division in which Mr.. Ireland
worked, also paid him a high tribute.
He was very fine man." said Mr.. jan
ney, "a gentle Christian character, and
had an excellent disposition.