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DR. L. F. PELTON.

Dr. Louis F. Pelton, of this village, died at his residence on Monday morning last, at 7:15 o'clock, of congestion of the liver. He had not been in perfect health for some years past, having suffered a severe attack of rheumatism a few years ago, from the effects of which he never fully recovered. About three weeks ago, however he was taken suddenly ill with congestion of the liver, one of the symptoms of which was an attack of jaundice. He started for a sea trip to Maine on the 8th inst., but had to return almost as soon as he reached New York City. His illness rapidly became worse, and although many of his brother doctors were daily in attendance, nothing could be done to save him. Last Friday night he sank into an unconscious state, from which he never awoke, and died on Monday morning. He was 55 years of age.  

In the passing away of Dr. Pelton, Mount Kisco has lost one of its most respected and esteemed citizens. He came to this village about 30 years ago, and had his office at New Castle corner. He was then a young man just started on his professional career. After staying there about two years, he moved away, and during his absence married his wife, then Miss Elizabeth Campbell, of Pawling. Shortly afterwards he returned to Mt. Kisco, and made his permanent residence here. His skill and knowledge soon brought him a large practice, while his social qualities made for him innumerable friends. He was thus brought more prominently into public life. At the breaking out of the Rebellion in 1861, he was appointed an Examining-Surgeon at Tarrytown under Captain Pierson, the Provost Marshal.

In 1871, after many persistent efforts, and by the aid of much tact and determination, he succeeded in obtaining a charger for the establishment of the Kisco Lodge F. & A. M., No. 708. There was much opposition to the plan, but Dr. Pelton foresaw the ultimate strength and benefit of the Lodge, and it is due to him that it was established. He was one of the Charter members and the first Master of the Lodge. He was re-elected three times, serving from 1871 to 1874, and was again elected in 1877. He also filled other offices in the Lodge.

He was a member of the Westchester Co. Medical Society——and was, we think, one of its oldest and stanchest members at the time of his death. He was universally admitted to be one of the most expert physicians and surgeons, and his opinion and diagnosis were accepted by his fellow members as entitled to the utmost confidence.

Dr. Pelton did not take a very active part in politics, but the general respect with which he was regarded by his neighbors and acquaintances found expression when they elected him to fill the important office of Supervisor of the Town of Bedford and also as County Coroner——the duties of both offices being creditably discharged.

In village matters, Dr. Pelton was deeply interested. For several years he was the President of the Board of Education, and in that capacity showed that he was a friend of liberal education. He continued as a member of the Board until last year.

Dr. Pelton's absence will be greatly felt in this community. He was a man without enemies. All who knew him had confidence in him as a physician, and respected him as a man. To his widow and his two sons, Fred and Arthur, is extended the most sincere and wide-felt sympathy in their sad bereavement.

The funeral services were held at the M. E. Church on Wednesday afternoon last, at one o'clock. Long before the time appointed, the sacred edifice was filled with the friends of the deceased. The casket containing the remains was place in a parlor of the Doctor's late residence, and was visited by nearly all who attended the funeral, in order to take a last look at the Doctor's familiar features. Shortly after one o'clock the casket was brought into the church by Drs. Sawyer, of Bedford; Schmid, of White Plains; Nordquist, of Tuckahoe; De Hart, of Pleasantville; Adams, of Carmel; Carpenter, of Katonah; Linson, of Tarrytown; and Churchill, of Cross River, who acted as pall-bearers. Other members of the County Medical Society who attended the funeral, were as follows:——Drs. Hodgson, of White Plains; Campbell, Mt. Vernon; Brush, Mt. Vernon; Bailey, of Brewsters; Chapman, of Katonah; Olmstead, of Cross River; Collins, of Sing Sing; Coutant, of Tarrytown; and Fountain and Collard, of Yorktown.

They were followed by the relatives and friends, and about 40 members of Kisco Lodge, F. & A. M., attired in regalia. Then the members of Stewart Hart Post, G. A. R. (of which Post the deceased was Surgeon), to the number of 28, brought up the rear.

Services were opened by reading of the Scriptures by Rev. J. W. Johnston, followed by prayer by Rev. Geo. Clarke. 

Rev. Wm. E. Ketcham, former pastor of the M. E. Church here, and now of Yonkers, then addressed the large assemblage. He testified to the many admirable traits of character of the deceased, and to his thorough Christian character. He related how, whenever he had visited the Doctor at his home, before leaving, the Doctor would always say, "Don't go away without praying with me," and on their knees in his study, prayers were always offered up to the Creator of all.

Rev. Andrew Shiland, the first pastor of the Presbyterian Church in this place, also spoke of his recollections of his now dead friend. He spoke of his first coming to Mt. Kisco and having his office in the same house as the speaker, and then proceeded to tell of his scholarly ability, his rare skill, his modest and retiring disposition, his tender heart, and, with all his experience, the speaker said he had never known a purer or more noble-minded man. Mr. Shiland was visibly affected during his address.

Benediction was then pronounced by Rev. J. W. Johnston, after which the Masons took charge of the remains and proceeded to Oakwood Cemetery, where their impressive service was recited, and the body laid in its final resting-place.

Dr. Pelton's only sister, Mrs. Ward, of Newburgh, with her husband, were present throughout the services.

——

At a meeting of the Board of Education of Union School District, No. 13, of Mount Kisco, held Monday evening, September 17, 1883, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted:

Whereas, We deeply feel the afflicting hand of Providence, who in his wisdom has seen fit to remove from our midst our esteemed fellow-citizen. L. F. Pelton, M. D., who for several years was the presiding officer of our Board, who took a deep interest in matters pertaining to education, and whose mature judgement commanded our respect and confidence, and also realizing the loss of the community, and especially that sustained by his family; therefore be it

Resolved, That we tender to his family our heart-felt sympathy and condolence in their great bereavement; and be it further

Resolved, That these Resolutions be entered upon the Minutes of the Board and published in the village papers, and also a copy of them be transmitted to the family.

HARRISON TELLER, President.
THEODORE CARPENTER,
ELBERT T. BAILEY,
ABIJAH A. SARLES,
T. ELLWOOD CARPENTER, Sec.
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after dinner and brought paint and oil to paint my outside studio. It has been painted only once since it was built. Am going to paint it three shades of red. It is beautiful Indian summer weather and a good time to do it. A letter came from Andrus today. Lucy had got my letter telling her of our dear mother's death and got him to write. The letter was short but long enough to show me how deeply Lucy is affected by the announcement. Last night I read some of dear Gertrudes letters which I recently found in a box down in the carriage house. She seemed to live again and after I had read them all a great wave of sorrow swept over me as I realized that she could speak to me no more.

Tuesday 20. Commenced to paint my studio and woodhouse. A beautiful day. May seems much better and we wrote Sara and telegraphed her also not to come home. Last night Gussie and I sat and talked of our dear mother and of her active useful life and her trials. I wonder that I can think of her so cheerfully but I have tried not to feel sad and not to grieve for her and I think we can resist sorrow if we try.

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