OBITUARY.

SIR G. O. PAUL, Bart. Dec. 16. At Hill House, Rodborough, Gloucestershire, Sir George Onesiphorus Paul, Bart. who succeeded his father Sir Onesiphorus, Sept. 21, 1774. This worthy Baronet was highly distinguished by his philanthropic exertions for the reform of prisons, and in other concerns of a patriotic nature. The active part he took in the regulation of the County Gaol of Gloucester, rendered that prison an example worthy of being followed in all similar establishments. He was the author of the following publications :Considerations on the Defects of Prisons, 8vo, 1784. Proceedings of the Grand Juries, Magistrates, &c. of the county of Gloucester, for a General Reform of the Prisons of that County, 8vo, 3d edit. 1808. Doubts concerning the Expediency and Propriety of immediately proceeding to provide a Lunatic Asylum for the County of Gloucester, 8vo. 1813. Sir G. O. Paul also contributed some communications to the Transactions of the Society for the Encouragement of Agriculture.

HENRY CLARKE, Esq.

Such, however, was his own personal frugality, and so honourable and suc cessful was he in business, that he accu mulated a considerable fortune, of which the greater part is bequeathed to an elder brother, his partner in trade.

He was the Father of the Company of Stationers, consisting of 500 members; having been admitted on the Livery in May 1759. He was also a Freeman (by patrimony) of the Company of Mercers; and was buried on the 8th of January in the Chapel of that magnificent Hall.

Of this truly-amiable and charitable man, we subjoin another character, as received from a Correspondent:

"When the Great perform actions either in the field, or the senate, we contemplate such characters with admiration; but as the opportunity is to the few, we can only view them at a distance. It is in the less remote sphere of life, that we can ensure imitation by example-when Virtue stands conspicuous, and shews forth like a star of the brightest magnitude, to guide 'erring man' to happiness.

"When the means are coupled with the inclination, when the heart glows with sympathy for the distresses of others, and the hand is ever ready to relievethe loss of such a character is not only severely felt, but not easily replaced, and such was Henry Clarke!

"Every action of this good man's life was marked by benevolence. The application of the poor was never in vainthe public charities in London, as well as many in the country, received his liberal support; and in private charity, it might well be said, that the one hand knew not what the other did."

Dec. 31. In his 84th year, Henry Clarke, Esq. many years an eminent stationer in Gracechurch-street, a gentleman who will be long remembered with the highest respect, as an uniform example of the greatest integrity, and most extensive and unaffected benevolence. He was the second son of Henry Clarke, Esq. of King-street, Cheapside, an eminent Whalebone Merchant, and was born in King-street, in August 1737. He entered into business early in life, and continued in the same until his death (the unusually long period of nearly seventy years in one house). He was no meddler in Politics, further than the supporting the Laws and Religion of this country, as he found them on his entry into life. He was, indeed, a steady believer in the truths of Christianity; and his heart was "open as day to melting Charity." He was a Gover- "One anecdote may suffice to elucidate nor of Christ's Hospital; of Bridewell the character of this worthy man. A and Bethlem, of St. Luke's, the Lying person, whom misfortune had reduced, in Hospital, and many other of the and who had a large family, applied to noble Institutions of this great metro- him for a presentation to Christ's Hospipolis; and his private elemosynary gifts tal for his son; it unfortunately hapwere frequent, and sometimes even pened Mr. Clarke's presentation was a princely. His loss to the publick will be freeman's, and the person applying was deeply felt; but to the many private par- not free of the city. Mr. Clarke immeticipants of his bounty, it will be irrepa-diately purchased the freedom for him, rable. They can only unite in the hope and gave him the presentation!—Ex that he is gone to receive his reward. uno disce omnes."

"Unsophisticated by the age in which he lived, his manners were an index to his heart-he was hospitable, a sincere friend, and indefatigable in his exertions to promote indigent worth :-in imitation of his Great Master, 'be went about doing good.'

WILLIAM

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W. Parnell, Esq.-Rev. J. Widditt.-S. S. Uppom. [Jan.

WILLIAM PARNELL, Esq. M. P. April 2. At Castle Howard, Ireland, William Parnell, Esq. M. P. Mr. Par nell was distinguished in private society for the amiableness of his manners, and for the suavity and intelligence of his conversation. He deservedly ranked high in letters and in politics for his general acquirements, but more especially for his writings, "The Causes of Popular Discontents in Ireland," and "The Apology for the Catholics:" works which have been greatly esteemed by the highest authorities for their elegance of style, the statesmanlike principles which they enforce, and the pure patriotism of the Author. Had Mr. Parnell lived, the attention which he was in the habit of giving in Parliament to Irish affairs would have been productive, ere long, of lasting benefits to his country. Time only was wanting to enable him to give effect to those plans, which had been his constant study from his earliest years, for relieving Ireland from her grievances, and for ameliorating the condition of all classes of her people, in wealth, in manners, and in morals. The following lines are from the Poems of the late Mrs. Henry Tighe :

To W. P. Esq. Avondale.

"We wish for thee, dear friend! for Summer eve

Upon thy loveliest landscape never cast Looks of more lingering sweetness than the last;

The slanting sun, reluctant to bereave Thy woods of beauty, foudly seemed to leave [past Smiles of the softest light, that slowly In bright succession o'er each charm [grieve Thyself so oft admired. And we might Thine eye of taste should ever wander hence,

thou hast

O'er scenes less lovely than thine own; but here [more dear, Thou wilt return, and feel thy home More dear the Muses' gentler influence; When on the busy world, with Wisdom's smile, [awhile." And heart uninjured, thou hast gazed

Rev. JOHN Widditt.

Dec. 20. At Cocherham, near Lancaster, aged 61, the Rev. John Widditt, vicar of that parish, formerly master of the Free Grammar School and Minister of St. John's, Lancaster; in which town and neighbourhood he will long be remembered as a man of sound principles, a vigorous and cultivated mind, unwearied industry, lively wit, pleasing and inoffensive manners. In a large and respectable circle of acquaintance he

had the happiness to meet with more sincere friends and fewer enemies, than usually fall to the lot of mankind. In accepting the ministry of an extensive country parish, he adapted himself with admirable patience, zeal, and talents, to the new and important duties of his station; courteous alike to the rich and the poor, cheerful, mild, liberal, conciliating, he diffused by precept and example the beneficent spirit of Christianity, and not only gave freely to the poor, but remitted many of his just claims, and contented himself with a moderate income, for the sake of peace and concord with his neighbours.

Mr. SAMUEL STEVENS UPPOM.

Dec. 29. At his house in Collegestreet, Pancras, in the 61st year of his age, Mr. Samuel-Stevens Uppom, Surgeon. He received his medical education under Mr. Birch of Mansell-street, and at the London Hospital; and very early in life was elected, upon the resignation of Mr. Matthew Enderup, to be-Resident Surgeon of the Inoculation Hospital at Pancras, when that practice was very general and in great repute. His contemporary apprentice and friend, Mr. John Christian Wachsel, was then Surgeon to the hospital in Cold Bath-fields, for the casual small-pox. In the year 1793, when that hospital was removed to Pancras, and both houses were united under one establishment, he resigned his official station, and the whole charge was confided to his skilful and upright friend.

Mr. Uppom formed a considerable practice in Warren-street, where he married, and after a few years his wife died, leaving him without any issue. In 18.., he was appointed Apothecary to the poor of St. Pancras parish, at a salary which enabled him to live comfortably in a new house in Collegestreet, to which he removed on that occasion; where he could pursue his practice and also execute his new office, with the same zeal and assiduity for which his life was distinguished; and from contiguity to the Workhouse, he could more readily give the attendance which it required.

The services which he had rendered tothe Small-pox Hospital since his resignation, were gratefully acknowledged by the Governors, who unanimously elected him to be an Honorary Governor for life, and a member of their Committee, where the benefit of his councils was very essential. On the morning of his decease he had visited his patients, and felt some fatigue on his return home, where he was bled,

but

1821.]

Rev. H. Kipling.-Sir C. Campbell, &c.

but without effect, for in a few minutes afterwards he expired. It seems to have been his wish that his death might be sudden, and in this his prayer was completely answered!

In his figure he was short and square in stature, of full colour, and apt to suffer beat on any exertion. He had acquired useful and practical knowledge. He preferred Vaccination to Inoculation, from a conviction and experience of its security, if correctly performed. In his professional course he was much respeeted and beloved. His great tenderness to the poor, was requited by their respect and veneration, and their deep regret at his death! In his general demeanour he was unassuming, and seldom delivered an opinion hastily or uncalled for. His disposition was friendly and confidential; and his regard once fixed was not shaken by slight causes. He was buried in the Church-yard of St. Pancras, and was followed to the grave by many friends who thus testified their respect for him in this last melancholy duty to his memory!

Rev. HENRY KIPLING.

Jan. 18. The Rev. Henry Kipling, Vicar of Plumstead, with the Chapel of East Wickham annexed, in the county of Kent (to which he was presented, in 1772, by his late father Henry Kipling, Esq.) He had considerable knowledge in the Classics and Divinity, having been educated at Harrow-school, under the late Rev. Dr. Thackeray, and Dr. Sumner (the late Bishop of Cloyne, Sir William Jones, Dr. Parr, and other eminent scholars being his contemporaries), and he took his degree of A. M. at Emanuel College, where he was entered in 1763, being placed under the late Rev. Henry Hubbard, then the distinguished tutor of that college. He has given 10007. to the Minister, Churchwardens, and Overseers of Plumstead, and the Chapel of East Wickham, to be from time to time applied by them towards supporting and keeping up the Sunday Schools in the said parishes respectively. And, dying without leaving any surviving issue, has, after making provision for a faithful servant, given all the residue of his personal estate equally between his two surviving sisters, having devised to his surviving brother all his real estate not before settled upon him.

ADMIRAL SIR G. CAMPBELL.
Jan. 23. About 10 minutes before
seven, Admiral Sir George Campbell,
G. C. B. Admiral of the White, and

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Commander in Chief at the port of Portsmouth, was found dead in his dressing-room by his valet, who had left him only a few minutes previous. He was lying on the floor, with a pistol by his side. This melancholy event has astonished every body, and caused the deepest concern, Sir George being of the most humane and charitable disposition, and of exemplary domestic habits. He was one of the Grooms of the Bedchamber, and had the honour of being highly esteemed by his present Majesty; indeed they were early friends. The last season but one that his Majesty was cruizing in his yacht, he came on shore purposely to visit Sir G. Campbell; and last year, on his going on-board the yacht to pay his respects to his Majesty on his arrival at Portsmouth, the King observed, that he did not intend to go out of the yacht during his stay; and turning to Sir George, added, in the familiar tone which he always used with this gallant Admiral, "I shall not even go on shore to see you, George." The abilities of Sir G. Campbell as a Naval officer, were highly esteemed by the immortal Nel

Mr. SERJEANT RUNNINGTON.

Jan. 18. At Brighton, Charles RunHe nington, esq. Serjeant at Law. was of a respectable family in Hertfordshire, and was born on the 29th of August, 1751. His education was liberal, but derived from private tuition. In 1768 he was placed under Mr. Morgan, a special pleader of considerable repute, with whom he continued about five or six years. Mr. Morgan was then concerned in publishing a digest of the Law of England, in which Mr. Runnington, young as he then was, took a very laborious part; but by this laid the foundation of his future knowledge and practice in the laws of his country.

About 1774 he took chambers in the Temple, and commenced drawing under the Bar, as a special pleader. He soon acquired celebrity in the profession; and among those who were placed with him as pupils, may be named Sir Samuel Shepherd, the late Mr. Mingay, Mr. Tidd, Mr. Jordan, the agent for Barbadoes, and Mr. Adair, the late minister at Constantinople. Sir Samuel Shepherd was placed with him in 1775, or 1776; and in 1777, he married the youngest sister

of

Mr. Serjeant Runnington.

of that gentleman, Miss Anna Maria Shepherd; a lady of great beauty and accomplishments, by whom he had two children, a son and a daughter. Of the former, a youth of great promise, he was bereaved in 1810. In Hilary Term 1778, he was called to the bar by the society of the Inner Temple; and in Michaelmas Term 1787 was called to the degree of serjeant at law.

The motto on his ring was-" Paribus se legibus." Soon after his call to the bar, he was appointed deputy judge of the Marshalsea Court, where he manifested those talents for judication, which have since been more extensively displayed.

He took a very active part in the politics of 1784, on the side of the old Whigs; when he advised, and ultimately succeeded in the action brought by Mr. Fox, against the high bailiff of Westminster, for his conduct in granting and continuing the scrutiny on the election for that city in the same year; the whole responsibility of that action rested upon Mr. Runnington, and his conduct on that occasion recommended him so strongly to the notice of Mr. Fox, that the latter became extremely anxious for his promotion; and had that great statesman lived but a short time longer, he would no doubt have

effected it.

Just before the death of Mr. Fox, and while he was in power, it was arranged by the then Chancellor, Lord Erskine, that the Serjeant should be made a master in chancery; but the administration going out soon after that arrangement was concluded, of course nothing was done for him. It was understood that Mr. Fox was adverse to it, as he wished the Serjeant to be placed in a very dif ferent situation in his profession. Very soon after his being called to the rank of Serjeant, he was frequently applied to, to officiate as judge on the home circuit, for the late Mr. Justice Gould, Mr. Justice Buller, Mr. Baron Hotham, Mr. Justice Heath, the late Lord Chief Baron Macdonald, and Lord Kenyon-the duties of which substitution he discharged to the satisfaction of the suitors, the profession, and the public. But this official aid was so repeatedly solicited, that he was at length (greatly to his professional loss) compelled to retire from the circuit-which he did about twelve years ago.

In 1782 his first lady died, and in 1783 he married Mrs. Wetherell, the widow of Charles Wetherell, Esq. of Jamaica. In Hilary Term 1791 he argued the great case in the Court of King's

[Jan.

Bench, of the Corporation of Lynn against the City of London, in Error, and succeeded in reversing the judgment of the Court of Common Pleas. He was Counsel together with Sir Samuel Shepherd, the late Mr. Clifford, and other gentlemen, in the actions which Sir Francis Burdett brought against the Speaker of the House of Commons, Mr. Colman, and Earl Moira -upon the judgment of the first cause, a writ of error was brought in the Exchequer chamber, which was argued in Easter Term 1812, by Mr. Clifford on the part of Sir Francis Burdett, in the most luminous and impressive manner. The substance of that argument was said to have been communicated by Mr. Serjeant Runnington to Mr. Clifford.

In 1813 Mr. Pooley resigned the office of Recorder of Colchester, upon which the Corporation solicited the Serjeant to accept that office; this, we understood, he agreed to do, thinking that the appointment was in the select body of the Corporation only-but being in the free Burgesses at large, he was opposed by Mr. Harvey, and after a hard contest of several days, was, on the 17th of July 1813, chosen by a considerable majority; but as the Mayor who swore him into that office, was not Mayor de jure, an information in nature of quo warranto, was afterwards filed against the Serjeant; in consequence of which, he was obliged to disclaim the office.

The residence of the Serjeant was principally at Brighton, where since 1812, he took a most active part as a Magistrate for the county of Sussex. His firm, prompt, and impartial manner of administering the duties of that office, added to his great temper, knowledge, highest benefit and importance to that and humanity, was certainly of the place; and was more than once acknowledged in the most liberal manner by his present Majesty.

On the 19th of April 1815, on the death of the late Mr. Serjeant Palmer, Mr. Runnington was appointed his Majesty's commissioner for the relief of insolvent debtors in England; which he resigned in 1819.

Serjeant R. published, "Sir Matthew Hale's History of the Common Law," 8vo. 1779; a new edition with considerable additions, 2 vols. 8vo. 1794. "Gilbert's Law of Ejectments," 8vo. 1781. "Ruffhead's Statutes at large, from Magna Charta to the 25 Geo. III." 14 vols. 4to. 1787. "The History, Principles, and Practice of the legal remedy by Ejectment, and the resulting action for Mesne Process," 8vo. 1795.