nearly allied to that noble family; and, failing the issue of the late Countess of Moira, stood next in succession to the Baronies of Hungerford, Hastings, &c. which devolved upon that lady, on the death of her brother Francis, 10th Earl of Huntingdon; and at her death, upon her son the illustrious Marquess of Hastings, whose lamented death is noticed in our last number. Upon the demise of Francis, 10th Earl of Huntingdon, Mr. Wheler became possessed of considerable estates in Yorkshire, under the will of the excellent and pious Lady Elizabeth Hastings, eldest surviving daughter of the before-mentioned Theophilus, 7th Earl, which she inherited in right of her mother, one of the daughters and co-heirs of Sir John Lewis of Ledstone, bart.

His father, Granville Hastings Wheler, esq. the only son of the Rev. Granville Wheler before-mentioned, married SybilJa, one of the daughters of Capt. Robert Haswell, R. N. who, after the death of her husband, married, secondly the Rev. John Tattersall, Chaplain in Ordinary to his Majesty, and afterwards Vicar of Harewood. She is still living, and has one surviving daughter by ber second marriage, Frances, wife of the Rev. John Baker, Vicar of Thorp-arch, to which he was presented by Mr. Wheler.

a

The subject of this memoir was gentleman commoner of Corpus Christi, in Oxford. He married Jane, second daughter of the Rev. William De Chair Tattersall, Rector of West Bourne, in Sussex, and one of his Majesty's Chap lains, by whom he had one son, who died an infant; his lady survives him.

Mr. Wheler's favourite pursuit was the study of antiquity; and he had paid particular attention to heraldry, and whatever related to pedigrees and the knowledge of descents. He was possess ed of a critical and intimate knowledge of the various styles (and of the eras when the several alterations took place), of Saxon, Norman, and Pointed architecture. No one more heartly lamented the dilapidations which antiquaries are so frequently doomed to witness,† or more strongly reprobated the innovations in which, under the semblance of restoration, some modern architects have been too prone to indulge. At the same time he readily gave his unqualified approbation to some recent structures which have been chastely executed

* See vol. LVII. p. 403.

Particularly at Canterbury by the destruction of those venerable and interesting remains, the South Gate, and Ethelbert's Tower.

in the Pointed style. He evinced the correctness of his taste and judgment in the alterations and additions he was making at Otterden, and those he suggested at Leeds Castle and other places. On all these subjects he was an occasional correspondent of Mr. Urban.

He had some peculiar habits and opinions, which, though neither of a religious nature, (for he was steadily attached to the doctrines of the Church of England,) nor deviations from moral rectitude, were the more regretted by his friends, on account of his many estimable qualities. One of these, an erroneous idea respecting the state of his health, is supposed to have shortened his life, having by injudicious medical treatment of himself so greatly reduced his strength, that his constitution sunk under it.

Mr. Wheler had great ecclesiastical patronage; and to his honour it deserves to be mentioned, that he never sold any of the presentations to his livings. He was patron of Ledsham, Collingham, and Thorp-arch, and had the alternate presentation to Harewood in Yorkshire, the perpetual curacy of Otterdon, in Kent. of in Suffolk,

and the chapel in Wheler-street, Spitalfields. Upon the death of bis uterine brother, the late Francis Tattersall, (to whom he had given the living of Ledsham,) being desirous of placing a clergyman who should be resident, and diligent in the performance of his parochial duties in that parish, be, at the recommendation of certain of his friends, presented the Rev. Christopher Benson (now Master of the Temple), at that time an entire stranger to him, to that valuable living, which preferment he still enjoys.

T. R. ELLERBY, Esq.

Jan. 29. Aged 37, in Broad-st. Thomas Robson Ellerby, esq. Surgeon to the Islington Dispensary, a member of the Society of Friends, and a man of singular habits. He left in his will the following extraordinary directions :

"For the guidance and instruction of those whom I may appoint as the execu tors of this my last will, I do here set down what my wish is, concerning the disposal of my body :-After my decease, I request to be placed in a very plain shell or coffin, with all possible despatch; that my friends and acquaintances be assembled as soon as convenient. Prefering to be of some use after my death, I do will, wish, beg, pray, and desire, that at the conclusion of such meeting of my

Especially the Additions at King's College, Cambridge.

friends and acquaintances, and at which I particularly wish those medical friends who have so kindly attended me through my long liness to be present, that the shell or coffin in which I may be laid, be placed in a plain hearse, with directions for it to be taken to Mr. Kiernan's, or some dissecting-room of an approved anatomical school, followed simply by the medical men in one or two plain coaches, and that they do there examine it to their full satisfaction, taking away such parts as may be of pathological utility. After which, that the remains be dissected, or inade whatever use of the anatomical teacher at such school may think proper.

"This I do as a last tribute to a science which I have delighted in, and to which I now regret that I have contributed so little; but if this example, which I have set, and design for my professional brethern, be only followed to the extent I wish, I am satisfied that much good to science will result from it; for if medical men, instead of taking such care of their precious carcases, were to set the example of giving their own bodies for dissection, the prejudice which exists in this country against anatomical examinations, and which is increasing to such an alarming degree, would soon be done away with, and science proportionably benefited as the obstacles were thus removed. Nay, so far do I think this a duty incumbent upon every one entering the profession, that I would have it, if possible, framed into a law, that on taking an examination at a public college for licence to practise, whether physic, surgery, or pharmacy, it should be made a sine quá non, that every one on taking such license, should enter into a specific agree ment, that his body should, after his death, become the property of bis surviv ing brethren, under regulations instituted by authority."

After this, follows the distribution of the different parts of the body to the medical gentlemen who attended him in his last illness; such parts being those only which, from the particular studies of each, were supposed by Mr. Ellerby to have to such of them a peculiar

interest.

Mr. Ellerby was a man of some acquirements, and only turned his thoughts to the profession at a mature age. He was an active member of the committee appointed by the General Meeting of the Members of the College of Surgeons, held at Freemasons' Hall, for the purpose of petitioning Parliament for redress of certain grievances now said to be experienced by the body of Surgeons.

LIEUT. STOKES, R. N.

Dec. 9. At St. Leonard's, Bridgenorth, whither he had lately removed, aged about 36, William Smith Stokes, Lieut. R. N.

He received the chief part of bis education under Dr. Butler, at the public school in Shrewsbury. At an early age he entered into the navy, and when not more than 15, was on-board the Tonant, at the ever-memorable battle of Trafalgar, where, in the midst of victory, he was eye-witness to the fall of the Commander-in-chief.

In the spring of 1812, he landed in Spain, and found the whole coast from Puerto Santa Maria to Ayamonte in a state of blockade, to prevent the French forces receiving supplies by sea; and near to Badajos he saw for the last time his eldest brother Lieut. James Marshall Stokes, who shortly after, on 6th of April, in leading the 1st battalion of 95th regiment of foot to the entrenchments before that town, fell gloriously among the slain immediately prior to its being taken. Since the conclusion of the peace, he has occasionally resided with his widowed mother at the family residence, Roughton in Worfield, co. Salop. He was of an ancient and wealthy family of his own paternal name, long resident in and about the neighbourhood of Tettenhall co. Stafford. His grandfather, and other lineal and collateral ancestors were the strenuous partisans and secret supporters of the unfortunate house of Stuart, though their other political and religious principles were diametrically opposite to those of that exiled family. He was also descende from Francis Smith, that very celebrated and eminent architect of a century past, from whose excellent plans and suggestions arose the great mansions of Partishull, Hallon (now called Davenport - house), Kinlet, Mawley, Ombersley (the seat of the late Lord Sondes), &c. From that eminent man, whose surname he bore, he at length inherited very valuable possessions, which now devolve on his only brother, Michael Smith Stokes, esq. of Roughton. In disposition Lieut. Stokes was mild, brave, and generous, but careless of himself, and trifling with his health, he brought on a long protracted illness and great sufferings, which at length terminated his earthly career.

MRS. HOWARD. Jan. 9. The late Mrs. Elizabeth Howard, (of whom we gave a brief notice in p. 92), was the only daughter of Richard Howard, esq. of Chiswick, who held a respectable situation in the

Court of Chancery, when Lord Northington filled the office of Chancellor; and who, by his marriage with an heiress of the family of Beresford, came into possession of a considerable estate in the county of Lincoln.

Mrs. Howard was justly distinguished in the circle of her friends and acquaintance, by talents of the highest order, and by extraordinary and extensive attainments. An elegant and accomplished classical scholar, she possessed a thorough knowledge of the learned languages; while, at the same time, she was equally conversant with the German, French, Italian, and Spanish; all which she read with facility and taste. Yet, rare and brilliant as were the acquire ments of her highly-cultivated mind, she shone even more conspicuously in the nobler and more estimable qualities of the heart.

Her genuine benevolence and kindness, the warmth and sincerity of her friendship, the purity, candour, rectitude, and singleness of her mind, were eminently characteristic; but ber generosity and disinterestedness were almost without limit; and, whenever the welfare or gratification of a friend could be promoted by any effort or sacrifice on her part, she scrupled not to make it: for, in her view, self was always the last consideration-a feeling by which she was actuated to a very uncommon degree. In manners, this excellent lady was particularly pleasing, easy, gentle, and refined, more from the influence of native courtesy than the studied forms of artificial politeness; though she was, on all occasions, a nice observor of the rules of good-breeding, both in herself and others. Accomplishments like these failed not to secure to their possessor a high degree of respect and regard, from such as could estimate the full value of so amiable and dignified a character; nor was she less beloved by those who were unable to appreciate her higher

attainments.

Wholly free from vanity or ostentation, she unaffectedly sought to conceal, rather than to display her superior knowledge; and so great was the natural diffidence of her disposition, that strangers have sometimes been in her company, without discovering that she possessed any extraordinary information. To those who had the happiness of enjoying her society in the unrestrained freedom of friendly intercourse, her conversation was highly interesting; them the treasures of her well-stored and richly-gifted mind, with a memory peculiarly clear and retentive, were unfolded, and afforded instruction, amusement,

to

and delight. She may be said to have had, in a remarkable degree, the happy talent of blending the cheerful and social with the intellectual companion. In sentiment, Mrs. Howard uniformly maintained the principles of civil and religious liberty; considering them as inseparably connected with the best interests of mankind. Diligent in her inquiries on the subject of religious truth, she applied the singular advantages she possessed in its investigation; and attentively perused the sacred writings in their original languages; the result of which was a firm and decided conviction of their authenticity and importance; and not only in principle, but in practice also, was she a sincere and consistent christian. Mrs. Howard had collected a curious and valuable library, comprising works in various languages, and in different departments of literature and science. Among her friends were many persons of talent, learning, and private worth, whom she greatly valued, and always received and welcomed with peculiar pleasure. Their frequent visits, together with her books and her literary pursuits, constituted her principal enjoy

ments.

The writer who has attempted this imperfect tribute to her fine talents and her exemplary virtues, has long known her; and esteems it one of the happy occurrences of her life, to have been intimately acquainted with Mrs. Howard, and to have shared her friendship.

She has often listened with delight, when young, to her instructive conversation; and will ever cherish a sincere and affectionate regard for her memory. The life of this lamented friend was terminated by a severe and painful attack of inflammation on the chest; and her frame, which had never been robust, could not long contend with the complaint; exhausted by previous suffering, which she bore with christian resignation and fortitude, she calmly sunk to sleep without a struggle, in full assurance of a happy and glorious immortality, having retained her faculties to the last. Her remains were, in conformity with her own desire, deposited in the church-yard at Kensington.

The following extract from a letter of Mrs. Howard to a common friend (the late Rev. Dr. Disney), on the death of a lady well known and highly esteemed (the widow of Dr. Jebb), while it justly delineates in simple and concise, but expressive terms, the character of the excellent person of whom she speaks, is also so peculiarly applicable to herself, that its introduction here will require no apology:

"We have lost indeed a friend of uncommon excellence; with an understanding so good and cultivated, so ardent a spirit, where yet no vapour of ill will to any sentient being could find a place. She has her reward;-perhaps has been mercifully removed before those faculties which made her happy, even in pain and ill health, were blunted by the effects of time.”

MRS. SHORE.

Dec. 9. Aged 65, Harriet, the beloved wife of Samuel Shore, esq. of Nortonhall, Derbyshire. The following extract from a funeral sermon, preached at the parish church of Norton, Dec. 24th, by the Rev. Henry Pearson, the Vicar, gives some traits of the character of this amiable lady:

"She was indeed, 'full of good works,' which she did not from ostentation, and for a name, but from a benevolent heart and christian feeling. In her we are forcibly reminded of the charitable Dorcas, of whom such honourable mention is made in the Scriptures of Truth. Well may her own sex lament her, for she was a pattern to them. Well may her surviving partner deplore the dissolution of a union, founded on mutual affection, and cemented by many succeeding happy years. Alas! it is a sorrowful memento to others also, united by the same sacred bonds, that the dearest friends must one day separate; and that it is a perishing finger on which the ring is placed. Well may her children cherish the fond remembrance of her virtues ;

for her walk and conversation were worthy of their imitation. 'Being dead, she yet speaketh,' and to them issues a voice from the grave, 'Be ye followers of me.' Well then may her own affectionate family and household, grieve for such a deprivation ; for, in every relative duty, as a wife, a mother, and a mistress she was without reproach. I may truly add, well may the poor, who shall never cease out of the land, be afflicted and mourn, for they bave great reason to stand weeping over her tomb, and, shewing the coats and garments which she had provided for their use while she was with them, they may say, 'I was, hungry and she fed me; I was thirsty, and she gave me drink; I was naked, and she clothed me; I was sick, and she visited me.""

MRS. S. DAVIES.

Jan. 8. After about two months illness, aged 78, Mrs. Sophia Davies, of Islington Green, in which parish the greatest part of her life had been spent. She was born in the parish of St. Bride,

Sept. 29, 1748, and married Oct. 26, 1780, to Mr. Hector Davies, (son of the Rev. David Davies,) who died March 6, 1785. He left by her one surviving child, the Rev. Hector Davies, who has taken the name of Morgan, of Castle Hedingham, Essex. She was a zealous advocate of the Church and State, a sincere friend, and an accomplished woman. The early part of her life had been spent in the society of literary and enlightened persons; but in her few remaining years, the power of intellect had greatly failed. By the paternal side she was nearly connected with the celebrated lawyer, Sir William Blackstone, her grandfather being the judge's brother; on the maternal side she was descended from the Ashbys of Harefield, in Middlesex. (See Gent. Mag. xcu. ii. p. 212.)

Her remains were deposited with her family, in the vault of St. Mary's, Islington, followed by her son, the Rev. H. D. Morgan, M. A., Rev. Richard Lendon, M. A., Mr. Taylor, and Mr. W. H. Gwyn.

GEORGE-WILLIAM STRONG.

Jan. 7. At Woodbridge, Suffolk, aged 7, George-William, youngest son of the Rev. William and Susanna Strong, of Stanground, Hunts.

It is seldom that even parental affection can find an apology for obtruding upon the uninterested reader its reminiscences of so short a career; but there was a peculiarity in the character and conduct of this child, which seems to render it a duty that the influence of such an example should not be confined within the narrow circle of his own family, or the span of his earthly sojourn. With uncommon strength of intellect and unusual mauliness of disposition, he combined an acute perception of moral rectitude and a scrupulous attention to all the proprieties and delicacies of more advanced age. His character was entirely of a religious cast, but unshadowed by the slightest tincture of melancholy. Prayer was his pleasure, scarcely less than praise. After having copied a part of " Patrick's Devotions," he had at length begged to have the book, and the good use which he made of it cannot be better exemplified than in the two following instances. On the morning of the last anniversary of his birth, no sooner had his father quitted his room than he hastened from play, in which he was briskly engaged, and entreated his mother to join him in offering up the prayer recommended for such an occasion. He had also selected for private devotion the "Prayer for a Student," contained in the same work; this he used daily until his studies were in some degree interrupted by a visit into Suffolk; thither

the volume was carried at his particular desire, but that petition rendered less appropriate was discontinued. Of Hymns he had spontaneously committed to memory a considerable variety; before he was four years old, uninvited and unencouraged, he had learned the greater part of one (contained in the Magdalen collection), commencing, "Hark, my gay friend, that solemn toll.' The tone of his mind not being then so well known, so soon as his continual recurrence to it was observed, the book was removed; but the verses acquired remained indelibly engraved, and the sound of a passing bell never failed to draw forth an emphatic repetition of the first line.

From his earliest infancy the Bible had been to him what the story-book is to children in general, the most unfailing source of amusement; he had long been pursuing a voluntary plan of reading it regularly through. This natural bent had been indulged by permitting him to commence his acquaintance with the ancient languages. With the Hebrew his progress had been such as no talents, however great, could have secured, unless the heart also had been deeply engaged in the pursuit. A note written to his father, nearly a twelvemonth since, in that language, had earned him a Hebrew Bible, and this possession was in his estimation invaluable. He had for some time before his decease been importunate to be permitted to acquire a knowledge like wise of Greek, from an ardent anxiety to read the New Testament also in the original, and his advancement in that of Hebrew justifying a division of his attention, had obtained a promise of speedy gratification. Insatiable as his thirst for learning was, the Latin not being a primitive language of the sacred Scriptures, stood much lower in his esteem; but a work connected with his biblical researches having been chosen, he had begun the attainment of it with apparent satisfaction. He had acquired an useful habit of noting down, or requesting others to note for him in what he termed his "Journal," any piece of instructive information which his reading presented, and had commenced an Onomasticon of the Bible.

Such is a brief notice of his literary hours. Of those of exercise the far greater number were devoted to the garden; in the spots appropriated to himself not a weed was permitted to appear, and he entered with all the emulation of a practitioner into a friendly competition with the gardener, for the production of the first flower and the earliest vegetable.

man.

His ardent love to God was necessarily accompanied with a corresponding love to At a Fair which occurred in October last, of a number of shillings with which he had been presented, he expended only one sixpence for himself in the purchase of a GENT. MAG. February, 1827.

watch-key, which he really needed, and returned laden not with toys and trifles, but with a suit of clothes for the son of a labourer in the village. To a sister one year younger than himself he was a friend, a guide, and a guardian, bearing all her little fancies with imperturbable good humour, but on the slightest indication of misconduct, reproving her with a tone of gentle authority which was never resisted. One beautiful instance of his mode of control should not be omitted. When he had not long completed his third year, she was stooping in the wantonness of infancy to pluck a primrose; he rushed forward and checked her, saying that the flower was not hers' but papa's; she cried in consequence, and he proceeded in his reasoning, "tho' papa cannot see you, God can," and enforced this observation with a quotation from Watts, "There's not a place where we can flee, but He is present there;" "besides," he added, " you should not pull flowers." "There's not a plant or flower below, but makes God's glories known."

That such a child could not be resigned without a severe struggle, may be easily conceived, and if there be a parent who in the agony of bereavement may be tempted impatiently to exclaim, "Never was sorrow like my sorrow," let him turn to this feeble memorial. This angel quitted a father duly sensible of his countless excellencies only about a fortnight before his decease, in his usual buoyant spirits, and when that father next beheld him, it was-in his coffin. The mournful meditation upon this dreadful contrast, which ensued upon a sleepless pillow, was embodied in the few following lines: these the dear little fellow bore in his hand to the grave, and sympathy may perhaps impart to them an interest to which their poetical merit could make little claim: In that inanimate, tho' placid face,

Thy speaking look, ah how shall Fancy