Puslapio vaizdai
PDF
„ePub“

DEATHS.

ever, the monarchs of the earth were displeased with her street teaching. Dismissed with rudeness from the states of the king of Wirtemburg, she found hospitality for herself and her company of the faithful, in the dominions of the elector of Baden. By degrees, she became herself one of the powers of Europe. The cabinets of princes leagued against her predictions, and she marched from kingdom to kingdom by means of negociations; for it was not every state that would admit this imperium in imperio. The events of the world followed their course, and Napoleon fell. Valerie considered this a propitious moment for that conversion of mankind which she had so courageously undertaken. To Paris she followed the emperor Alexander, whom she called The Lord's anointed, and whom she seriously believed chosen by heaven to be the regenerator of the world: there, giving herself up entirely to the delirium of her disordered imagination, she left no means untried to make proselytes. In her mystic conferences, in which a young Genevese, named Empeytas, seconded her, she explained the ancient prophecies, and those of the north, and called to her aid visions, voices from heaven, and day dreams and night dreams.

The powers of the earth went three times a week to these theurgic and mysterious assemblages, where the purple of the Autocrat of the North humbled itself before the words of this woman. David (by this name she designated her Lord's anointed, the emperor Alexander,) quitted Paris, and she followed him. From this period, her life was a series of trials and tribulations.

Her friends in Germany had forgotten her; her faithful flock had abandoned their leader. She was forbidden to enter France; she wandered from one Swiss canton to another, tormented and persecuted by the magistrates, who would let her have no rest. At length the canton of Argovie offered her an asylum: aided by M. Empeytas, she

preached a long time at Arau and its vicinity; thousands of the faithful hastened from the borders of the lakes and mountains, to eat the bread of life from the hands of the founder of the new worship. The prophetess standing on an hillock, often preached for five or six hours in the open air; and these long im

provisations, and journies, the absence of sleep and the want of food, had no effect on the health of Valerie. But unfortunately for the baroness de Krudener, human laws declared themselves in direct opposition to the divine laws announced by the prophetess. The flock was dispersed, the oracles of the humble Pythonissa were declared seditious, and she was obliged to return to her own country. There she languished under an interdiction from her guardian friend and disciple, " David," to teach or preach; her followers no longer were permitted to form a body; and as the flame of fanaticism requires constant feeding, her followers fell gradually away, and she was suffered to expire in the Crimea, almost alone and forgotten.

Her powers of persuasion were very great, and many who went to laugh, remained to pray. To Madame Krudener is owing, we believe, the conversion of M. Benjamin de Constant, and the work on religion he is now publishing. Such was the awe her words sometimes inspired, that her hearers, and M. Benjamin de Constant with the rest (it is said), fell flat on their faces in her presence.

Lately, in Westminster, Mr. Benj. Price, many years secretary to the Westminster library, and well known in the literary circles of the metropolis. Mr. Price had at various times been engaged in contributing to periodical journals. About three years since he attempted to revive the Westminster library, in Charles-street, St. James's; but after many fruitless attempts the society was dissolved. He possessed a thorough acquaintance with modern books, and hence his quali

DEATHS.-JAN.

fications as a librarian were considerable. He contributed largely to "Public Characters of all Nations," 3 vols. and assisted in the editorship of many other compilations.

Lately, in Gutter-lane, Cheapside, Mr. John Arliss, celebrated as one of the most elegant printers of his time. Mr. Arliss likewise possessed considerable taste in embellishing juvenile works with wood engravings, and in conjunction with Mr. Whittingham, may be said to have contributed largely to the revival of that beautiful art. A few years since, when residing in Newgate-street, he established the Pocket Magazine, which attained, and still enjoys, a large circulation. Besides his concern in Newgatestreet, he had previously been engaged in business in partnership with Messrs. Whittingham, Huntsman, Knevett, &c.; but like Didot, the celebrated printer of Paris, the profits of Mr. Arliss's speculations did not keep pace with the approbation of the public. For some years past, he had also been in ill health; and through this, with other untoward circumstances, he left a family of five children totally unprovided for.

JANUARY.

1. In Wild-court, Drury-lane, under circumstances of peculiar distress, aged 76, Mr. Ralph Wewitzer, the veteran actor, having scarcely a bed to lie upon. When the boy who attended him came with his breakfast, he was leaning on his hand, quite dead, and his countenance was quite calm. He died indebted to his landlady 147., the payment of which she never urged during his illness; but after his death, hearing that he had relations, she determined on having her money, or at least the value of it. A handsome coffin was provided, it is understood, by the performers of Drury-lane, in which the remains of the unfortunate actor were de

posited, and every arrangement made for the funeral, when the landlady urged her demand, and a man was placed in possession. Information was forwarded to one of Wewitzer's relations in Finsburysquare, and ultimately the body was taken from the coffin, and conveyed in a shell to that neighbourhood for interment, which ceremony was performed on the 8th; the coffin and furniture remaining at the lodgings. The deceased was confined to his bed for the last nine months unable

to move.

Mr. Wewitzer was born in London of Swiss parents, where he was brought up as a jeweller, which business he exchanged, at an early period, for the vicissitudes of an actor's life. Having got some experience in his new profession, he made his debût at Covent Garden Theatre, as Ralph, in the Opera of "The Maid of the Mill," which character he sustained for the benefit of his sister, who, about the year 1785, was held in some estimation both as an actress and singer. It may be observed, as something singular, that his Christian name happened to be the same as that allotted to his character in the piece. Wewitzer's exertions were crowned with success, and indicated so much promise of utility in his profession that he was engaged by the house, where he soon distinguished himself as a Comedian, by his whimsical but just representation of Jews and Frenchmen. He next repaired to Dublin for a short time under the management of Ryder, and on his return resumed his situation at Covent Garden, where he remained till the year 1789, when unfortunately he was induced to undertake the management of the Royalty Theatre. On the failure of that concern, he became a member of the Drury Lane Company, with which he continued to perform, with the exception of some few seasons, till the close of his theatrical career. He played at the Haymarket Theatre for several

DEATHS.-JAN.

summer seasons; was the original Jew in "The Young Quaker," and by his performance of it contributed much to the success of the piece. He was considered as the inventor of these pantomimes "The Gnome," acted at the Haymarket 1788, never printed, and "The Magic Cavern," 8vo. 1785. He was also the author of "The Royal Pedigree of his Majesty George III. from Egbert," 8vo. 1812; and "School for Wits, a New Jest Book," 12mo. 1814. The labours of his profession, while he was able to continue on the Stage, and his infirmities after he left it, prevented him from affording his literary talents due cultivation. In his latter years he was an annuitant on the Covent Garden Theatrical Fund. 1. At Stratton, capt. Robert Smith, in the 89th year of his age. He was at the battles of Minden and Warburgh, and afterwards at Gibraltar, during the memorable siege of that place.

3. At Islington Green, George Sturdy, esq. one of the sworn clerks of the court of Chancery.

4. Of apoplexy, his majesty Ferdinand IVth, king of Naples and the two Sicilies. The Nuncio, the ambassador from Spain, the Austrian minister, and the French chargé d'affaires, were introduced with all the council into the chamber of the king. His majesty was lying on his back, with his mouth open, but his features unaltered; the left hand, which was uncovered, shewed some marks of extravasated blood. The guards at the palace, and other public places, were doubled, as a measure of precaution, hut the public tranquillity was not disturbed for a single moment.

He was born Jan. 12, 1751, and ascended the throne Oct. 5, 1759, on his father's becoming king of Spain. He married April 7, 1768, the archduchess Maria Caroline, daughter of Francis I, and aunt to the present emperor of Austria, who died Sept. 7, 1814. He had issue by her, 1. Francis Janvier Josef, duke of Calabria, father of the

[blocks in formation]

At Stirling, the rev. Dr. Small. At Richmond Green, Thomas Walmesley, esq. aged 56.

- At Smyllan Park, Scotland, sir William Honeyman, of Græmsay, bart.

6. At Stepney Green, Edward Powell, esq. aged 67.

At Ipswich, in his 56th year, Thomas Green, esq. He had been educated for the bar, but was induced by the easiness of his circumstances to withdraw himself from its toils. He was the author of the following works:-" The Micthodion, or a Poetical Olio, London, 1788," 12mo.; "An Examination of the leading Principle of the new System of Morals, as that Principle is stated and applied in Mr. Godwin's Enquiry concerning Political Justice, London, 1798," 8vo.; second edition 1799; and " Extracts from the Diary of a Lover of Literature, Ipswich, 1810;" 4to.

7. Of apoplexy, Robert Ross, esq. of the Stock Exchange.

In Lowther-street, Whitehaven, aged eighty, Joshua Dixon, M. D. The town of Whitehaven is indebted to him for many improvemeats necessary to its health and comfort. The Dispensary was the fruit of his exertions; and from its establishment in 1783, up to the day of his death, he acted gratuitously as physician and chief manager. The unfortunate, the poor, the sick, all were ever welcome to counsel, pecuniary assistance, and medical skill. He was the author of a great many useful tracts and essays,

DEATHS.-JAN.

acknowledged and anonymous, but his principal work was the "Life of William Brownrigg, M. D." 8vo. 1800, in which he incorporated an historical essay on coal mines, particularly those in his neighbour hood. In 1822 he published a tract, entitled, "The Church Catechism Illustrated."

8. Elizabeth, wife of Charles Raymond Barker, esq. of Blandford-street, Portman-square.

9. At his house in Leicester, Caleb Lowdham, esq.

At Stanmore, Middlesex, Richard Oswal Mason, esq. in the 55th year of his age.

10. Mrs. Sarah Robinson, wife of John Robinson, esq. of Park-street, Westminster.

Richard Harrison, esq. M. D. aged 40, at his house in Argyle

street.

At Newport, in the Isle of Wight, at his mother's, dowager lady Holmes, after a lingering illness, aged 38, sir Leonard Thomas Worsley Holmes, bart. member and recorder for that borough, commandant of the Isle of Wight Yeomanry cavalry, and an acting magistrate for the county of Hants. Such was the respect paid to his memory, that as soon as his death was announced, all the shops and the greater part of the private houses in Newport were closed. He was the eldest son of the rev. sir Henry Worsley Holmes, LL. D. by Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Leonard lord Holmes; born July 1787. On the death of his father, the 8th baronet, April 7, 1811, he succeeded to the title; and June 5, 1813, married Anne daughter of John Delgarno, esq. and niece of Leonard Troughear, lord Holmes (which title became extinct in 1801); by whom he had issue three daughters but no son: in consequence, this ancient baronetcy (one of the earliest creations of James I. in 1611) becomes extinct.

-At Twickenham, aged 65, Mary, wife of Thomas Dickson, esq. of Fulwell Lodge, Twickenham.

10. At Papworth Hall, Cambridge, Charles Madryll Cheere, esq. M. P. for the borough of Cambridge.

-At Worle, Mr. Joseph Bishop, of Banwell, Somersetshire, aged 103 years. He was the father, grandfather, and great-grandfather of 180 children, of whom 115 are living at this period.

-

At Chelsea, aged 64, Thomas Smith, esq.

11. Mr. William Stevenson, steward of the earl of Darnley. 12. At Clifton, Caroline Mary, youngest daughter of the late Samuel Peat, esq. of Calcutta.

At his house in Bentinckstreet, George Rankin, esq. 14. John Stone, esq. many years of his majesty's Customs.

In Finsbury-square, John Henry Hecker, esq. in his 77th year.

At his house, in Upper Gowerstreet, aged 84, George Dance, esq. R. A. F. A. S. and auditor of the royal academy. He was son of George Dance, esq. an eminent architect and clerk of the works of the city of London, who built the present Mansion House in 1739, Shoreditch and St. Luke's churches, &c. and died in 1768; in which year the late Mr. Dance succeeded, by purchase, to his father's office, in which he was succeeded in 1816 by his favourite pupil, William Montague, esq. by appointment of the court of common council. Mr. Dance's youngest brother, was the painter, Nathaniel Dance, who on his marriage with the great Yorkshire heiress Mrs. Dummer, took the name of Holland, and was created a baronet in 1800. He died in 1811. In 1794, Mr. George Dance was elected fellow of the Society of Antiquaries. From 1795 to 1797, he was one of the council of the royal academy; and in 1798 we first find him auditor. Mr. Dance was for some years professor of architecture at the royal academy, but never lectured.

In 1811 appeared the first volume and in 1814 a second, of "A Col

DEATHS.-JAN.

lection of Portraits sketched from the Life, since the year 1793. By George Dance, esq. and engraved in imitation of the Original Drawings, by William Daniell, A. R. A." large folio.

Mr. Dance was the last surviving member of the original forty royal academicians. His remains were interred in the vault of St. Paul's cathedral, in what is called the artists' corner, near to those of sir Christopher Wren, and his late friend Mr. Rennie; an appropriate situation, as he was allied in genius to both of those illustrious ornaments of the country.

15. At Clapham, Joseph Stevens, esq. in the 87th year of his age.

- At his seat, Killester, county, Dublin, in his 49th year, the right hon. Thomas Gleadowe Newcomen, viscount Newcomen baron Newcomen of Moss-town, county Longford, a baronet, a governor of the counties of Longford and Mayo, and M. R. I. A. His lordship was born Sept. 18, 1776; succeeded his father, the right hon. sir William Gleadowe Newcomen, in the title of baronet, Aug. 21, 1807; and on the decease of his mother, Charlotte, in her own right viscountess Newcomen, May 16, 1817, to the honours of viscount and baron Newcomen. The late viscount having left no issue, the titles of viscount and baron Newcomen become extinct, being the twenty-seventh peerage of Ireland which has failed since the union in January, 1801. The baronetage is extinct also.

Lord Newcomen's estates devolve to his sisters; viz. 1. Jane, married to Charles Gordon Ashley, esq.; 2. Teresa, married first to sir Charles Turner, bart. of Kirkleatham, in Yorkshire, and secondly, to Henry Vansittart, esq. nephew of lord Bexley; 3. Charlotte; 4. Catharine, married to Charles Newcomen, esq.

His lordship was the chief partner in Newcomen and Co.'s bank, Castle-street, Dublin which, in consequence of his death, stopped

payment. The whole of the unsettled estates are subject to the debts of the house.

16. At Burwood Park, Surrey, sir John Frederick, bart. lieut.-col. of the 2nd Surrey militia. This family is descended from sir John Frederick, lord mayor of London in 1662. The late baronet was the only surviving son of sir John Frederick, 4th bart. by Susanna, daughter of sir Roger Hudson, of Sunbury, county of Middlesex, knight, who died June 29, 1787; was born March 18, 1749, and succeeded to the title on the death of his father, April 9, 1783. In the parliaments of 1796, 1802, and 1806, he was returned one of the knights of the shire for Surrey. At the general election in 1807, he declined offering himself; when Mr. H. Sumner was returned. The elegant house at Burwood was built by this worthy baronet, in a park, which, with additional purchases made by him, contained 300 acres without any road or foot-path over it, before a late inclosure, by which 150 more were added to it.

Sir John married, in 1783, Mary, youngest daughter and co-heiress of Richard Garth of Morden, esq. and by her (who died December 1794) had issue the present baronet, five other sons, and five daughters.

[ocr errors]

At Banff, Bathia, wife of George Robinson, esq. late provost of Banff.

17. Aged 29, the rev. Peter Walthall, M. A. rector of Wistaston, Cheshire, eldest son of Peter Walthall, esq. of Darley Dale.

-At Tort Pitt, Chatham, captain John Pollock, 5th reg. aged 28.

18. At his house, in Bream'sbuildings, Chancery-lane, in his 54th year, Mr. John Cox, principal in the firm of Cox, Barnett, and Co. copper-plate printers. To the careful superintendance and taste of this gentleman, is owing much of the graphical beauty of many of the splendidly decorated works which have appeared during the last thirty years. In his office were printed

« AnkstesnisTęsti »