ROBERT PRESTON, ESQ.

Nov. 19. After a short illness, in his 73d year, Robert Preston, Esq. of the Lower House, West Derby, Lancashire.

Mr. Preston was the representative of the Prestons of Cockerham, in Lancashire, who were a younger branch of the very ancient family of Preston of Preston Richard, Levins, and Preston Patrick, in Westmoreland, and of the Manor and Abbey of Furness, in Lancashire; another younger branch of which family was seated at Holker, in the latter county.*

His father was the only surviving son of Richard Preston, Esq. of Cockerham, by his 2d wife Mary,+ daughter and coheiress of Henry Hastings of the city of Dublin, a descendant of the Earls of Huntingdon; but, in consequence of his father having dissipated by gambling the whole of his fortune, excepting that portion which was settled on the issue of his first marriage, he was so slenderly provided for, that, notwithstanding that he adhered during the whole of his life to a most rigid frugality of expenditure, he found it a matter of no small difficulty to educate his family, and he died in 1788, aged 74 years, in extremely poor circum

stances.

His eldest son, the subject of the present notice, was born in the year 1761; and foreseeing; that, upon his father's death, he should inherit but a small estate, whilst his brothers would be totally unprovided for, he determined to enter into business; and, accordingly, in the year 1783 he commenced his career as a merchant in Liverpool.

There his great integrity soon obtained for him a high character; and by much industry, perseverance, and sagacity, he was enabled, in the course of a few years, to lay the foundation of one of the most extensive businesses in the kingdom. From this he derived, until the end of his life, a very considerable income, and he has died possessed of immense wealth.

Mr. Preston was a warm friend, an affectionate parent and husband, and a most excellent master; and his loss will be long and severely felt by the poor, to whom his purse was ever open.

* Vide Burke's Commoners, vol. I. p. 478.

This Lady survived her husband 44 years, and died in 1765, aged about 100 years; having been supported by her relative, Theophilus, 9th Earl of Huntingdon, from the time of her husband's death until the decease of that benevolent nobleman, which took place about 20 years before her own dissolution.

MR. ANDREW PICKEN.

Nov. 23. In London, aged 45, Mr. Andrew Picken.

Mr. Picken was born at Paisley, the son of an eminent manufacturer, and was educated for mercantile pursuits. At an early age he visited the West Indies; but finding that the business in which he was engaged afforded no very bright prospects, he returned to Europe, and obtained a confidential situation in the Bank of Ireland. To the great regret of his Irish friends, he subsequently removed into Glasgow, aud entered into business. Here he first came before the worid as an author, by publishing "Tales and Sketches of the West of Scotland," a work which had great local success. In this volume appeared, for the first time, the pathetic story of Mary Ogilvie,” which showed no common power of combining the ordinary incidents of life, into pictures of intense and harrowing interest. Among the sketches, was one "On the Changes in the West of Scotland during the last Half Century," which contained much playful satire, and not a very few hard hits, that severely wounded the vanity of the Glasgow bodies. This, combined with some other circumstances, induced the author to quit Glasgow; he removed to Liverpool, where he established himself as a bookseller.

The unfitness of literary men for business, is proverbial; dwelling in the ideal world, they shrink from encountering the stern realities of life,

And pen a stanza when they should engross. Poor Picken was, besides, as simple as a child, the most unsuspicious, the most charitable in judgment, of all mortals, full of enthusiasm, ardent in hope, ready to lend a credulous ear to every one who made him a proffer of friendship. The mania of speculation, which in 1821 seized even on those who were deemed paragons of worldly wisdom, found him too ready a victim; he joined in some of the wild progects of the time, and lost his all. But his creditors, with one voice, bore honourable testimony to his integrity, and expressed their sorrow for his misfortunes. He came to London with the manuscript of a novel, the composition of which had been the amusement of his leisure hours, and subsequently his consolation in difficulty and distress. "The Sectarian," as this production was called, was published by Colburn, and excited considerable interest at the time of its appearance; it showed great skill in what may be termed the morbid anatomy of the mind, and one

picture, of madness caused by religious melancholy, which was drawn from nature, gave considerable offence to persons who are apt to confound an attack upon fanatacism with hostility to religion. This error prevented "The Sectarian" from obtaining the success which its merits deserved.

Mr. Picken now became a frequent contributor to Magazines and Reviews. The publication of "The Dominie's Legacy," in 1830 finally established his fame as an historian of Scottish humble life; and had great success.

When Colburn's Juvenile Library' was projected, Mr. Picken undertook to supply the The Lives of Eminent Missionaries,' but before his work was completed, the Library was at an end. The volume was subsequently published by Kidd, and two large impressions sold.

Mr. Picken's next publication was The Club Book,' to which several of the most popular living writers contributed. The tales written by the editor were in happiest style; that entitled 'The Three Kearneys,' was founded on circumstances which he had witnessed during his residence in Ireland, and it showed that Mr. Picken had thoroughly investigated the mixed character of the Irish peasantry. The Deer stalkers' was also a tale of great interest; it was recently dramatized at the Queen's Theatre, and was much admired. Soon after appeared a work on the Canadas, professedly a compilation; in preparing this volume, Mr. Picken received very valuable assistance from his friend Mr. Galt. This was followed by Waltham,' a tale published in Leitch Ritchie's Library of Ro

mance.'

In the course of the present year, was published his Traditionary Stories of Old Families,' in two volumes; designed as the first part of a series, which would embrace the legendary history of Scotland, England, and Ireland. It was only in our Magazine for October (p. 290) that he made a request for assistance in obtaining materials. Before he could avail himself of he communications which had been made to him, he was attacked by the disease which terminated his life. On the 10th of November, while conversing with his son, he was suddenly struck down by apoplexy, and was conveyed home insensible. After a short time strong hopes were entertained of his recovery, but on the 23d his spirit passed away almost without a struggle.

A little before his last illness, Mr. Picken had completed a novel, entitled, The Black Watch.' This was the original name of the gallant 42d regiment;

the date of the story is about the time of the Battle of Fontenoy, a period new to novel readers. This manuscript is the only legacy, besides the memory of his virtues, that he has bequeathed to his widow and six children.

Mr. Picken resembled the Dominie of his own tale, simple, affectionate, retiring; dwelling apart from the world, and blending in all his views of it, the gentle and tender feelings reflected from his own mind.

MR. ALFRED NICHOLSON.

Nov. 23. In Charlotte Street, Portland Place, aged 45, Mr. Alfred Nicholson, painter of landscape in water colours.

This gentleman was the only surviving son of Francis Nicholson the celebrated and now veteran artist; who, in his eighty-first year, continues in the full enjoyment of his mental and bodily powers. Early in life Mr. Alfred Nicholson entered the Royal Navy, on board his Majesty's ship Berwick, and saw some service on the coasts of Holland and Portugal.

When employed at Lisbon in 1808, embarking the French Troops under the Convention of Cintra, he was so severely wounded in superintending the shipment of some horses, that amputation of the leg was declared to be necessary, although ultimately the limb was saved. Among the anecdotes which Mr. Nicholson used to tell of his naval adventures, was one which occured a few days previous to this accident. Being in command of a Transport, and ignorant of the French language, he was addressed by a French cavalry officer demanding "Avoine "—“ Avoine.”

"Have Wine"-" Have Wine?" repeated Nicholson; "by all means, my honest fellow," and motioning the way to the cabin, he placed a bottle before him, which without further conversation they dispatched together in the most friendly manner. With the last glass the former demand of " Avoine" was repeated. "Certainly" replied Nicholson, and he produced another bottle. The second bottle was finished, but still the demand of "Avoine" succeeded it. "Well," said Nicholson, "you seem to be a jolly fellow enough for a Frenchman, and wine you shall have-here's another bottle for you; but as I have my duty to attend to upon deck, you must drink it by yourself and here's another bottle, to the back of that." The result of the adventure was the officer being carried ashore under arrest unable to communicate his business. Nor was it, until years afterwards, that Nicholson discovered Avoine to mean Oats. Overhearing a little girl repeat her

French lesson, the meaning flashed upon him.

After a few years Mr. Nicholson abandoned the naval profession for the arts. In 1813 he was induced to visit Ireland, where he resided for three or four years; and during this period he accumulated a large collection of elaborate sketches of Irish scenery, particularly in the counties of Sligo, Kerry, Cork, Limerick, Wicklow, and Dublin.

It may perhaps be worth mentioning, that in Ireland he has left his name impressed upon a remarkable locality-a stone in the river Foherish (the Noisy Water) near Macroom. This stone is situated in the centre of a wild river abounding with falls, and from it is commanded the best view of the most picturesque of these falls. Here more than once was Alfred Nicholson seen by the peasantry, sketching, with his legs buried in two singular hollows of the stone, resembling what in Sweden are called Alfquarnar; and as a sketcher in Ireland is always an object of wonder or inquiry, his name having transpired, the stone has ever since been pointed out to the tourist or stranger as "Nicholson's Breeches."

About the year 1818 he became permanently resident in London, and was almost exclusively occupied by the instruction of pupils. In 1821 he made a short excursion through Ireland and North Wales, considerably enriching his collection of sketches; and in subsequent summer excursions he visited the islands of Jersey and Guernsey, and his native county of York, where his pencil was assiduously employed.

Many have been the convivial bets lost and won upon Alfred Nicholson's birthplace; as he was invariably mistaken from his accent and manner for an Irishman, a belief indeed which his partiality to Ireland led him rather to encourage than contradict.

The drawings of Mr. Alfred Nicholson are chiefly remarkable for a graceful and delicate touch, combined with the force and vigour of general effect which distinguish those of his father, after whom his style was naturally modelled. They are generally of small sizes, and are very rarely to be met with. In his sketches neatness and freedom are singularly combined. In private life he maintained the highest character. He was an excellent companion, and somewhat of a humourist, fond of the society of his friends, full of whim and repartee; and the generally agreeable and genuine eccentricity of manner which he imbibed in early life from the naval service, appears never to have left him. A characteristic anecdote GENT. MAG. VOL. I.

of this may be instanced in the case of a gentleman by whose lengthy visits his time had been unreasonably encroached upon. "When Mr. calls again, John,"

said Nicholson to his servant, "say that I am not at home." The gentleman called and was so informed by the servant. But having seen his master in the window he insisted on going up stairs and entered the room accordingly. "Did not my servant tell you that I was not at home?" said Nicholson. "Yes, but I saw you in the window, and so I did not believe him, you know." "Then Sir, I beg you will believe him in future; for as you can't disbelieve me, allow me to tell you that I am not at home." For the last three or four years Mr. A. Nicholson suffered severely from ill health; he has left a widow and two infant children.

JOHN MURRAY, M.D.

Sept. 12. At his house in Westgate street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, aged 65, John Murray, esq. M.D.

He was the son of the Rev. James Murray, who was the first Minister of the Meeting-house now occupied by a congregation of Scotch Presbyterians in the High Bridge, Newcastle; and also author of numerous works on religion and politics; to whose memory there is a gravestone in St. Andrew's churchyard, bearing this inscription:-"The congregation of Protestant Dissenters, assembled at the High Bridge, in this town, have placed this testimony to their late faithful and esteemed minister, the Rev. James Murray, who fought a good fight, kept the faith, and finished his course the 28th June 1782, aged 50 years." Dr. Murray's mother was Miss Sarah Weddle, whose father had an estate near Belford in Northumberland, from whom it was inherited by the subject of this memoir and his brother William, who is a silk manufacturer in Manchester. He had also two sisters, Jane wife of Mr. Charles Hay of Newcastle, and Isabella now residing at North Shields.

Mr. Murray studied Medicine in Glasgow; and for many years practised with great success and celebrity as a surgeon. He was an intimate friend of Drs. Clarke and Young, and medical adviser to themselves and families. Dr. Ramasy had also a high opinion of his medical talents. Prior to his death he had been 33 years surgeon to the Newcastle Dispensary, the last report for which bears this honourahle testimony to his character, and zeal for the interests of that admirable institution:

"His valuable services for a period of 33 years his talents and merits in the faithful discharge of its professional duties

P

-his numberless acts of beneficence and private charity towards the poor-and his constant endeavour to promote the essential objects of the department he so ably upheld, will be long remembered and deeply appreciated with gratitude, not only by the Committee and Governors, but by all classes of the community."

Mr. Murray, in the early period of life, had a strong passion for scientific and literary pursuits. In 1792 he was a member of a small society of friends, who met weekly for mutual improvement in various departments of science, and who were the auspicious planters of that broad and umbrageous tree of knowledge, "the Philosophical Society of Newcastle." Chemical science at that time was just beginning to unfold its wonders and its benefits to the inhabitants of that place; and Mr. Murray was the first who prepared Soda Water there for sale. This he did by the common mode of pressure then in use. Finding this method tedious and inconvenient, he fell upon the expedient of disposing of it in strong glass bottles, which were made under his direction by the late Isaac Cookson, esq.

The Gateshead corps of Volunteers was formed in 1803 under the command of Lt.Col. Ellison, and with Mr. Murray for its Adjutant, in which important office his turn for military tactics was so strikingly displayed, that at every review the inspect ing officer was delighted with his tact and skill in carrying his corps through its various evolutions. In music, too, he was a master; and besides various pieces, such as the airs of Tsadi the Moor," "The Poor Village Maid,” “The Blue Bell," "Dear Mary, my Love," "The Merry Savoyard," &c. &c. which have been published, he was the author of many other admired compositions still in manuscript.

Though his disposition was remarkably gentle and amiable, he had a firm and vigorous mind. As a companion and a friend he was cheerful, frank, and sincere. In his profession he could call to his aid a natural well-informed and profound sagacity in investigating the latent causes of diseases a talent which never came into vulgar notice, because his modesty threw a veil over his own perfections; but which could not be hid from the eminent practitioners who were his contemporaries. And it must not be forgotten to mention that while, in his office of Surgeon to the Dispensary, his skill and attention were unremittingly exerted among the poorest and most wretched of his patients, his benevolence often supported whole families where disease had destroyed the means of their subsistence. In domestic life he was docile and obliging; and in his

habits systematically regular and abstemious. Milk, coffee, and tea were his common beverage; all fermented and distilled liquors he hated, and never tasted; still, however, for many years he could not be said to have enjoyed good health. For at times he suffered much from gout; and for the last two years of his life, some organic affection, it is supposed in the brain, gradually deprived him of all consciousness of what was passing around him; and friendship and affection, for some months before his death, could only gaze on the living ruins of one who, in the prime of his intellectual powers, was the soul of the society he moved in, and the charm of domestic life.

He married Mary, daughter of Mr. Stoddart Rutherford, a wine-merchant in Newcastle, and widow of Mr. Clerk, but died without issue. His remains were interred near those of his wife and father in St. Andrew's churchyard. J. H.

CLERGY DECEASED.

Oct. 20. At Rotterdam, aged 79, the Rev. James Anderson, D. D. Emeritus Minister of the National Scottish Church in that city.

Oct. 24. At Cossington House, near Bridgewater, aged 56, the Rev. Thomas Hobbs, Rector of Templeton, Devonshire, and of Cossington, and a Magistrate for the county of Somerset. He was of Oriel coll. Oxford, M. A. 1801; was instituted to Cossington in the same year, and to Templeton recently.

At Cheltenham, aged 37, the Rev. Stephen Pope, Minister of St. Mary's chapel, Lambeth. He was formerly Fellow of Emanuel college, Cambridge, where he graduated B. A. 1818, M. A. 1821.

Oct. 29. At Melton, near Woodbridge, aged 73, the Rev. William Bradley, Vicar of Aldborough, and of Friston cum Snape, to the former of which livings he was instituted in 1799, and to the latter in 1818.

Oct. 30. At Undercliff, Isle of Wight, aged 37, the Rev. Courthope Sims, M.D. of Petworth, Sussex. He was the only son of the late John Sims, M.D. of Wimpole Street, London, and graduated for physic at Trin. coll. Camb. M.B. 1810, M.D. 1823.

Oct. 31. At Thames Ditton, aged 67, the Rev. George Henry Storie, M. A. He was descended from a Scotch family, the pedigree of which has been published in Burke's Commoners, vol. i. p. 275; and was the eldest son of Thomas Storie, esq. an eminent merchant of London, by Hannah, dau. of Henry Roberts, esq. of Standon in the Isle of Wight. He was for some time Rector of Stow Mary's in

Essex, which church was in his own patronage. He married in July 1776, ElizaJekyll, youngest dau. of Col. James Chalmers, of Chelsea, great-niece to the Rt. Hon. Sir Joseph Jekyll, Master of the Rolls; and by that lady, who died March 5, 1825, had issue three sons: 1. the Rev. John George Storie, M. A. Vicar of Camberwell, who married in 1822 Elizabeth, daughter of Ald. Sir John Perring, Bart. and has two daughters; 2. George-Henry; 3. ThomasChalmers: also two daughters: 1. Elizabeth - Sophia, married to John - Simcoe Saunders, esq. barrister-at-law, only son of the Hon. John Saunders, Chief Justice of New Brunswick; and 2. MargaretFrances.

At Claverdon, Warwickshire, in his 60th year, the Rev. Robert Wylde, Vicar of that parish. He was of Christ-church, Oxford, M.A. 1796, and was presented to Claverdon in 1828, by the Ven. R. F. Onslow, Archdeacon of Worcester.

Nov. 2. At Stonesfield, Oxfordshire, aged 59, the Rev. Walter Brown, Rector of that parish, and Prebendary of Canterbury. He was lately a Student of Christ-church, Oxford, where he attained the degree of M.A. in 1797; was presented to his Prebendal stall at Canterbury in 1804 by the King, and to the rectory of Stonesfield in 1810 by the Duke of Marlborough.

Nov. 2. At Clifton, the Rev. Joseph Porter, Rector of St. John's, Bristol, to which he was presented by the Corporation in 1826. He was of Magdalen hall, Oxford, M. A. 1814.

Nov. 4. Aged 85, the Rev. Daniel Williams, Vicar of Romsey, Hampshire, and minister of that parish, as Curate and Vicar, for the long period of fifty-nine years. He was formerly a Fellow of New college, Oxford, where he attained the degree of M. A. in 1776, and was presented to Romsey by the Dean and Chapter of Winchester in 1827. His body was buried in a vault at the west end of the abbey church.

Nov. 5. At Clapham, the Rev. Charles Birch Woolley, late Vicar of Thrussington, Leicestershire.

Nov. 8. At Brighton, after a long and severe illness, the Rev. George Charles Frederick Leicester, of Hatfield Broadoak, Essex. He was first a member of Trinity college, Cambridge, where he took the degree of B.A. in 1815, and having been elected a Fellow of Christ's college, proceeded M. A. in 1818.

Nov 15. At the Cloisters, Westminster, aged 66, the Rev. Richard Lendon, Prebendary of St. Paul's, and Rector of Saint Edmund the King, Lombard-street. He was of Trinity college, Cambridge,

B. A. 1791, M.A. 1794. In 1804 he was Assistant Curate of Pentonville Chapel, when, on the death of the Rev. Mr. Davies, he stood a contested election with the late Rev. Henry Foster, for the Rectory of St. James's Clerkenwell. On the 30th of July, after a poll of four days' continuance, followed by a scrutiny, Mr. Foster was declared elected by a majority of fifty-eight votes, out of upwards of two thousand householders polled. To such a height had party feeling risen in this contest (a glorious specimen of the advantages of popular election in the church!) that the friends of neither party were satisfied with the result. Those of Mr. Lendon demanded the revision of the Court of Chancery; and those of Mr. Foster desired to remove Mr. Lendon by a summary ejectment from Pentonville Chapel. Some tumultuous and discreditable scenes were the consequence. Finally, by a decision of Lord Eldon, after three days' hearing, in June 1807, Mr. Foster's election was confirmed, and Mr. Lendon then left Pentonville chapel. He afterwards officiated for some time at St. John's church, Clerkenwell. He was presented to his City living by the King in 1811, and collated to the Prebend of Oxgate in the church of St. Paul's in the following year by Bishop Howley.

Nov. 16. In the Fleet Prison, aged 50, the Rev. John Borthwicke Bingley. He was heir to considerable estates in Yorkshire, where he formerly held a living. Having indulged his predilection for sporting and gambling, he was reduced to a prison about seven years ago. He was latterly subject to fits of epilepsy, and was finally found with his throat cut. Verdict, temporary insanity.

DEATHS

LONDON AND ITS VICINITY. Nov. 20. At Lambeth, aged 69, James Pillar, esq. a native of Dartmouth, and many years First Clerk in the Office for Woods and Forests.

Nov. 21. At Bryanstone-square, aged 57, J. B. Richards, esq.

In Charlotte-st., Portland-pl., Mary Jane, wife of Lieut.-Col. P. Campbell, C.B.

In Great Russell-st., Bloomsbury, aged 76, Mrs. Parke.

At Belgrave-st. South, aged 71, James Douglas Coster, esq., 41 years in his Majesty's Household.

Nov. 22. At Garnault-pl., Margaret Macaulay, wife of Mr. James Henderson, printer, of Gough-sq., and dau. of the late Rev. John Macaulay, of Cardross, Dumbarton.

Nov. 23. Thos. Stone, esq., M.D., of Newington-pl. Surrey.