NOTICE OF DECEASED ACTIVE MEMBERS.
In treating of what this Society has done, we are compelled to pause and record a part of what it has been called to suffer in the loss of its active members in the past year.
REV. C. R. DEMMÉ.
We have to deplore the death of the Rev. C. R. Demmé, D. D., Pastor of the German Church in north Fourth Street, who for many years made the Eastern Penitentiary the scene of his most welcome and profitable labors. His great desire was to do good to his fellow man; and Providence that lighted up that wish in his heart, blessed him with a sound judgment, as to the choice of objects on which his gifts and acquirements would be best exercised, and the selection of time and means for his ministration. He knew how repulsive usually is the convict’s cell to those of his vocation; and he felt also how important to those who would be useful there, is a knowledge of modern languages; and especially did he resolve to devote himself to those of his own country, (Germany,) whom he could approach by many avenues which love of the “Father land” opens to the heart. And many who heard his kind monitions, lived to bless his benevolence. He was a man of steady and well regulated zeal, devoid of ostentation; practical in all his plans, and eminently useful in his labor in concurrence with this Society.
JACOB T. BUNTING.
In the month of December, Jacob T. Bunting, an old and active member of this Society, died. He was known to his acquaintances as one that had at heart the good of his fellow men; and in this Society he was recognized as a hearty co-operator in the good work of alleviating the miseries of prisons. Earnest in his efforts to discharge his duties at the cells of the prisoners; he sat in council with us, awaiting rather the judgment of others, than attempting to enforce his own opinions, yet influencing by his experience, and conciliating by his courteous deference. The Society feels and mourns the loss of such a member. Mr. Bunting was in his seventy-first year.
TOWNSEND SHARPLESS.
On Wednesday, the 30th of December, died Townsend Sharpless, one of the Vice-Presidents of this Society.
There are men who seem formed to discharge a certain class of duties, beyond which they lack zeal and fail of efficiency. But Townsend Sharpless seemed to fulfil the injunction of Scripture, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do with thy might.” In business or rational recreation, in works of general benevolence, in the councils and labor of this Society, he was constant, zealous and successful. No half-way measures satisfied his plans, or gratified his wishes. He satisfied himself first that the work was one of benevolence, and then he made it a duty, and discharged it. In the walks of business there was no man who seemed better to understand the whole routine of trade, and few were ever more devoted, or more successful. As a philanthropist the same zeal, the same method secured equal success to his labors. And warm-hearted in his friendship, his social relations were of the most pleasing and gratifying kind.
The Society for Alleviating the Miseries of Public Prisons, then, in referring to the death of such a member, feel that they have lost in the demise of Townsend Sharpless, a valued member, a respected Vice-President, an exemplary merchant, a useful citizen, and a practical philanthropist.