June 14, 1844.
* * * * Of myself a word or two will suffice. Though old and grey-headed, my God forsakes me not; but graciously imparts a gleam of sunshine in my latter days, which almost makes me marvel. I have just completed my sixtieth year, and, though encompassed, as ever, with infirmities, have for the last twelvemonth done full duty twice on the Sabbath.
The flame yet flickers, and till it shall sink into total darkness, may it send forth some shining ray to enlighten the minds and change the hearts of my beloved Canadian people.
Adieu, my beloved Brother,
Ever affectionately yours,
George Mortimer.
Mr. Mortimer’s death, which took place on Saturday, June 15, 1844, has been so suitably and feelingly described by others that I have nothing to do but to avail myself of their services. These consist of notices of the event, taken by the public papers of Toronto; a resolution of the Central Board of the Church Society of the Diocese of Toronto, presented to Mrs. Mortimer by the Rev. W. W. Ripley, secretary; a brief memoir drawn up by the Rev. Thomas Grinfield, and inserted in the Bristol Journal; and letters written by his amiable and excellent daughter, Miss Phebe Mortimer, giving some account of the last years of her father’s life, as well as of the circumstances and particulars of his death.
(From the “Church” newspaper of June 21, 1844.)
It is with feelings of no ordinary pain and grief that we announce the sudden and afflictive death of a venerable friend and fellow-labourer in this diocese, the Rev. George Mortimer, M.A., Rector of Thornhill.
As this deeply-lamented gentleman was proceeding on Saturday afternoon last from his residence to Toronto, his horse, when about half way through the village, took fright, and the reins breaking, the carriage was upset, and Mr. Mortimer was thrown violently against the stump of a tree. He received immediate assistance, and was carried into the house of a neighbour, Mr. Griffiths. Dr. Paget, his medical attendant, speedily arrived, and drove him home. On the way he spoke with cheerfulness, and hopes were entertained that the injury would not prove very serious; but soon after his arrival at his own house, he expressed his conviction that he had not long to survive—an apprehension which was confirmed by his kind and afflicted medical friend. Having called his family round him, he addressed them in his own peculiarly affectionate and earnest manner, upon the solemn change he was soon to undergo, blessed them, and presently after sunk to his rest, so calmly and quietly that they knew not of his departure until the mournful event was communicated by Dr. Paget. About two hours only had elapsed between the occurrence of the accident and his death.
The servant who had driven him, was thrown also with great violence against a heap of stones, and severely hurt; but he is now, we are happy to say, recovering.