Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1922-12-12
JOHN WANAMAKER,
PHUANTHROPlS1,
DIES EARLY TODAY
Aged American Capitalist and Merchant Succumbs After
Long Ilness-Started Life AS Errand Boy linen
Achieved Phenomenal Success.
PROMINENTLY KNOWN in ALL COUNTRIES
Active At Time Of Civil WarFounded First Department
Store In 1876-Great Sunday School and
YM C. A. Worker

maker, died here today. He was "a
wears old.
A bulletin issued at Wanamakers
residence shortly after eight o'clock
read:
"Mr. wanamker died peacefully at
3 a. m.
(Signed) ''W. f. QUICKSALL, MD.
"HARVEY SHOEMAKER, NJ. ID.
"ALFRED STENCIL, NJ. d.
Wanamaker was taken Ill about
two months ago while staying at
"L.indenhurst" his summer estate near
Jenkintown. He was brought to his
home in Philadelphia so as to be near
er medical attention.
Though his malady was diagnosed
as a severe ''cold" his advanced age
and it's long duration made 1t serious.
Wanamaker, founder OF the stores
bearing his name in New York and
Philadelphia and former postmaster
general, has been i'll for several
weeks.
Within the last few days, however,
he took a turn for the better, and
the end came suddenly after a re-
lapse.
His name is variously classified as
2 merchant, capitalist and philanthro-
pist. He was born in Philadelphia IN
1888 and began work as an errand
bow in a book store. His phenomenal
success came with the establishment
of his department store in 1916,
which grew into one Of the largest
stores Of its kind in existence.
Although intensely interested in
L.. opHnnfpd any
nubIic office other than that of Post
Master General under President Har--
rison. He made great success OF
this venture and organized the post
office department on cooperative
basis and was always a recognized
authority on postal matters,
He was prominent Presbyterian
Sunday school worker and has con-
tributed literally to the Y. NJ. {. A.
both in this country and abroad.
Wanamaker originated the Penny
Savings Bank and was the first presl-
dent of this institution which later
proved such a success.
Upon the outbreak of the civil war
he sought to enlist in the army but
WAS refused on account OF his physl-
cal condition.
On April IL, 1861, the day Fort
Sumter was cannonaded, he opened
small clothing store. War para
lived trade but by remarkable busl-
ness tact, Wanamaker brought his
business through the turbulent times
and aa the close of the war he was a
wealthy man.
AS years advanced Wanamaker be-
came more prominent and he widened
his mercantile operations. Outside OF
business pursuits ne engaged IN re-
ligious and social work. He organ
ized the famous Bethany Sunday
school with q members and now num-
hers more than 5000. He was one of
the originators of the christian
commission" during the Civil War
and was chairman Of the general re-
lief committee during the Irish IA
mine. He served efficiently on the
finance committee of the Centennial
Exposition of 1876. -.
Though an ardent Republican
worker. Wanamaker never sought any
political Office. In 1888 he took &C
tive part in the Presidential campaign
and was finally prevailed upon to ac-
cent the position of Postmaster Cen
eral in President Harrison,s cabinet
After four years in public Office, Wan
amaker continued active work in In
dependent Republican politics.
Wanamaker was the founder OF the
first Pennsylvania Savings BANK
helped to start numerous hospitals
founded Wanamaker's Institute OF In
dustries and the Bethany DispensarS
and had erected Y. NJ. c. A. and Col
lege buildings in India, China, Japar
and Korea. In 1912, he was decorated
with the Legion OF Honor by the
French Government and in November
1914, he chartered two steamships
and sent food to the starving Bel
gians. Wanamaker nominated Fair
banks for vice president at the Re.
publican national convention in 191t
and 1921 celebrated sixty years Of
business life. AS father of the Cen,
tennial Exposition. he suggested the
Sesqui- Exposition for 1926
to celebrate the 150th anniversary OF