DEATH OF GEORGE GOTT, J.P.

Born:  October 18, 1827
Master: 1860, 1868
Died:  September 1, 1905
 
George Gott , whose serious illness was noted last week, passed away at the residence, Sandwich Street, Monday afternoon, about 3-o’clock.   Mr. Gott regained consciousness only for a very short time on Saturday after his first attack.  He did not appear to suffer much pain until early Sunday morning, when Dr.’s Hobley and W.F. Park held a consultation but agreed that nothing could be done to prolong life.  The end came peacefully.  The deceased was a prominent figure in this community for many years, and was a man of probity and integrity.  He was born in Galway, Ireland, October 18th, 1828.  His father was a member of the 34th Regiment of Foot and was stationed at Halifax when the rebellion of 1837 - 38 broke out.  The regiment was ordered to Amherstburg,

and the deceased, then only a lad, was the only boy who marched with the regiment from Hamilton to Fort Malden, prior to the battle of Windsor, which took place on Dec. 4th, 1838.  He did not participate in, nor witness the battle, having been detailed to do duty in the garrison.  He did, however, witness the encounter that the 34th Regiment had with the rebels at St. John’s, Quebec, when on their way from Halifax and Montreal.  After the rebellion, Mr. Gott served in the militia.  For years he was engaged as a shoemaker and merchant in Amherstburg, and from 1860 to 1870  was Township Clerk of Malden.  On November 1st, 1873, he was appointed landing waiter at Gordon and on the death of Edward Anderson he received the appointment of Collector of Customs at Amherstburg, his commission dating from July 24th, 1884.  He was superannuated May 1st, 1900, and from that time lived a retired life.  He had been a magistrate since 1865 and was one of those re-appointed in the recent commission.  Mr. Gott took an active interest in the affairs of Christ Church, of which he was an honored member and warden for many years.  But he was probably best known throughout the Province because of his enthusiastic interest in and long connection with Free Masonry.  He was the last member present at the institution of Thistle Lodge, the officers of whom were installed in old Christ Church, where services were held over his remains Wednesday.  The date of his initiation was August 21st, 1849.  At his death he was known as the second oldest Mason in Canada.  He was a Grand Lodge Officer and attended the meetings of that body for years.  He was also active in Capitular Masonry, and was the oldest member of Monroe Chapter, Detroit, at his decease.  He was known as the father of Prince of Wales Chapter and recently a handsome life size pen portrait of him was hung in the lodge room.  His knowledge and interest in Capitular Masonry led to his being elected Superintendent of St. Clair District, a position in which he advanced the interests of the Order greatly.  A few years ago he joined Burleigh Preceptory, No. 21 Knights Templar, St. Thomas, and at the last gathering in Sarnia he was the oldest knight in the ranks.

 The funeral was held Wednesday afternoon and was under the auspices of Thistle Lodge, No. 34, A.F. & A.M.  The local brethren were joined by large contingents from Windsor Lodge, Great Western Lodge and the Windsor Preceptory.  In addition a number of Masons from Detroit Lodges came over from Bois Blanc to witness the obsequies.  After a short Masonic service at the house the remains were escorted to Christ Church, which was packed to the doors.  There Rev. J.F. Parke, the rector, read the beautiful Litany service, and the procession reforming, the remains were taken to Rose Hill cemetery and interred with Masonic honors.  Rev. J.C. Tolmie, Chaplain of Windsor Lodge, reading the service at the graveside, while George E. White, Past D.D.G.M. for Erie District, led in the funeral grand honors.  The pallbearers were G. T. Florey, J.A. Auld, F.M. Falls, Hon. C.W. Martin, H.G. Duff, and James Atkinson, of Windsor, who is the oldest living Past Master of Thistle Lodge.  The utmost respect was shown on every hand for the memory of the deceased.  Flags on the town hall, post office and private buildings flew at half mast.  The floral offerings were noticeably numerous and beautiful.  Among them was a gorgeous floral pillow from the family, a wreath from Thistle Lodge and Prince of Wales Chapter, crosses from Windsor Preceptory, Mr. And Mrs. Glenn, the Gott nephews and nieces, Windsor; wreaths from their grandchildren, Mr. Gawley of Detroit; a tray of pink roses from Misses Lizzie and Minnie Brett and a wreath from the Misses Bailey, besides a number of other pretty separate pieces.  Among the relatives present from out of town we noticed Mrs. Taylor, a sister, and Mr. And Mrs. Glenn, of Chatham; Mr. And Mrs. Geo. Gott, St. Thomas; Misses A. Gott and L. Brett and W.J. Brett, Windsor; Mr. Gawley and son, of Detroit; Charles Gott and his wife, of St. Thomas; R.R. Brett and wife of Essex; John Gott, Buffalo, and George Taylor, Detroit.

 DEATH OF GEORGE GOTT, J.P., Amherstburg Echo, Friday, September 1, 1905.

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