THE HONOURED HERO.
[Sidenote: THE HONOURED HERO.]
No labour is ever lost that seeks to promote the welfare of men. At the
outset there may be difficulties and opposition, but patience and
perseverance will in the end bring their reward. And if the warrior
rejoices in the number of his victories, the patriot in the extension of
his country's liberties, the statesman in the success of his peculiar
polity, and the philanthropist in the mitigation of human woes, how much
purer and stronger must be the joy of the man who has been the means of
saving the lives of his fellow-creatures? Alexander, Emperor of Russia,
whose armies had won many a victory on the field of battle, once rescued
a man from drowning, and he ever afterwards said that _that_ was the
happiest day of his life. As no living individual, perhaps, has saved so
many lives, on so many separate and distinct occasions, and under
equally perilous circumstances, as our friend, so we may infer that his
personal joy was proportionately great. He always did his best to save
human life, having made that one of the chief objects of his existence,
and he reaped a rich recompense. He says, 'I always thought it as much
my duty to try and save the drowning, as it was their duty to try and
save themselves; and I always felt myself amply recompensed, and highly
satisfied, when I got them out of the water and saw they were all right.
Physically, I often felt much exhausted by the efforts I had made, and
could eat no food, nor could I take rest, for hours after rescuing the
drowning. But I was filled with a pleasure I could not describe;
sometimes my feelings found vent in tears, and at other times in loud
and hearty laughter; and when questioned as to my feelings, I could only
say, "I can't tell you how I feel." I had this thought and feeling
running through me, throbbing within me, "I have saved a fellow creature
from drowning." And that imparted to me a happiness which no amount of
money, and no decorations of honour, could have given me; a happiness
which no man can conceive, far less describe, unless he has himself
snatched a fellow creature from a watery grave.'
[Sidenote: HIS PERSONAL JOY.]
[Sidenote: THE GRATITUDE OF THOSE WHOM HE RESCUED.]
Our friend also reaped a rich reward in the gratitude of many whom he
had the pleasure of saving. And we have seen that he could receive no
higher gratification than this. King Charles, the First, had such an
unhappy manner that, even in granting a favour, he often grieved those
whom he obliged. And we know that almost as much depends upon the manner
of doing a kindness, as upon the act itself. Indeed, in some instances,
even a frank and positive refusal will give less pain than an ungracious
and grudgingly bestowed favour. Now, we hesitate not to say that, what
Mr. Ellerthorpe did, was kindly and generously done. And he always felt
that the cheers of the multitude as he bore the rescued to the shore,
and the spontaneous thanks of those whom he had saved, surpassed in
value any tribute of money which could have been placed in his hands.
Wordsworth, referring to the overflowing gratitude which had gone beyond
the worth of the trivial favours bestowed, says:
'Alas; the gratitude of men
Hath oftener left me mourning.'
But our friend performed the noblest deeds, and grateful returns were
always as pleasant to him as cold water to a thirsty soul. He says, 'I
was always well satisfied if they manifested gratitude, but I must
confess, that when they never came near me, nor in any way communicated
with me, as was the case with some whom I have saved,--for instance, Mr.
Leeson and Miss Hill--I was not satisfied. My pleasure at the
remembrance of what I did for them is mixed with pain. It may be a
weakness of mine, but an ungrateful man is, in my opinion, one of the
biggest sinners in the world. I hate ingratitude, and I can affirm, that
no rewards I have received from societies and individuals have ever
given me half the pleasure that the gratitude of some of those I rescued
gave me.'
And can we wonder that he should thus write? Shakespeare says:--
'I hate ingratitude more in a man
Than lying, vainness, babbling, drunkenness,
Or any taint of vice whose strong corruption
Inhabits our frail blood.'
Ingratitude for favours conferred is a most unnatural disposition, and
is reproved even by the brute creation; for they manifest a strong
instinctive feeling of gratitude towards their benefactors. 'The ox
knoweth his owner and the ass his master's crib.' Some time ago, a
steamer sunk beneath the surging wave, with upwards of two hundred souls
on board. The captain, who was as noble a man as ever steered a vessel,
sank with the rest of the passengers and crew. Fortunately, however, he
came up again, and seizing a plank, he clung to it until rescued by a
vessel that happened to be passing. 'Ah,' said he, on telling the story
afterwards, 'If my heart's affection ever clung to anything besides my
wife, and my mother, and my child, it was to that plank; it saved my
life.' And yet, some forgot our friend, whose skilful hand and brave
heart bore them through the foaming waters to land.
[Sidenote: HIS SERVICES RECOGNISED BY THE GREAT.]
All did not. 'You shall lodge in my heart, and I will never ask you for
rent,' said a grateful Irishman to one who had done him a favour. And
our friend found a welcome and a home in the warmest affections of many
of those whom he rescued. The blessing of many who were literally ready
to perish came upon him. W. Turner, whom our friend saved in Burlington
Bay, says, 'What a mercy it is that God has provided such a man as Mr.
Ellerthorpe, to render assistance when assistance is required at his
hands; for he is ever willing at any moment, and at the first call, to
risk his life. I question whether there is such another man in the
world. He has a good and kind heart, and in his general conduct displays
kind feelings towards all and everybody. I hope he will remain long with
us, and that at last we shall meet him in heaven, never to part again.'
Robert Tether, speaking of his deliverance, says, 'Some one said to me
on the occasion, "My boy, you ought ever to remember that man," and I
do remember him and will never forget him. If I had but a shilling in
the world, John Ellerthorpe should have half of it, if he needed it. I
can say that from the time he delivered me I have always liked to see
him, and I never think the place is right if I do not see him there. He
shall never want if I can help him. May he live long, and always have
plenty.' These, and similar expressions of gratitude, recorded on former
pages of this work, were more valuable, in our friend's estimation, than
stores of gold.
[Sidenote: HIS INTERVIEW WITH LORD WENLOCK.]
Though Mr. Ellerthorpe never urged his claims to public recognition, yet
we rejoice to state that his humane and gallant deeds were not permitted
to pass unnoticed and unrewarded. Persons of high distinction, and of
great authority in the social world, spoke to him words of greeting,
commendation, and encouragement. Lord Wenlock, having had recounted to
him some of the incidents recorded in the last chapter, said, 'How
pleasant it is, Ellerthorpe, to have the satisfaction, while living, of
having done our fellow creatures good.'
Captain Wilson, whose gallant conduct enabled him, during the American
War, to re-capture his ship, 'Emile St. Pierre,' from a greatly superior
force, and who received, for his valorous deed, a silver tea and coffee
service from 170 merchants of Liverpool, and also 2,000 guineas from the
owners of the 'Emile St. Pierre,' paid a visit to Hull, and requested to
have an interview with Mr. Ellerthorpe. In company with Captain Hurst,
he went to the Humber Dock Gates to see him. They shook each others hand
for some time; at length, Captain Wilson said, 'I'm glad to see you. I
have often heard of your bravery in saving your fellow men from
drowning, and I have sometimes wished I could see you; you are what I
call a brave, clever fellow. They say I have done a clever action, but I
may never do another. But your life has been crowded with deeds of
gallantry. Go on and prosper, my good fellow, and may God bless you; and
rest assured if I again come near where you are, I shall come and see
you.' It must have been a pleasing sight to have seen these two men, of
brave hearts and noble deeds, grasp hands in recognition of each others
services.
Towards the close of the year 1835 the following statement appeared in
the Hull newspapers:--
'We understand some gentlemen are interesting themselves in favour
of Ellerthorpe by representing his repeated exertions in the cause
of humanity, and sending the particular cases to the Royal Humane
Society. We shall be ready to receive any subscriptions for the
purpose of rewarding one so highly deserving recompense from his
fellow men. Ellerthorpe is married and has two children.'--_Nov.
23, 1835._
The appeal to the Royal Humane Society was sent, and Mr. Ellerthorpe
received the following response:--
Society's House,
_January 21st, 1836._
The Secretary of the Royal Humane Society is directed to inform
John Ellerthorpe that at an adjourned general court of the
Institution, held on the 18th inst., the Honorary Medallion of the
Society was unanimously conferred on him for his courage and
humanity in saving the lives of nine persons at different times.
John Ellerthorpe,
Barrow, near Barton-on-Humber, Lincoln.
[Sidenote: THE MEDALLION OF THE ROYAL HUMANE SOCIETY.]
The Medallion bears this inscription:--
[Illustration: HOC PRETIUM CIVE SERVATO TVLIT
_J. Ellerthorpe_,
SIT OB SOW
DOVO DAT
_Soc. Reg. H.V.M._
1836.]
[Sidenote: ROYAL HUMANE SOCIETY'S THANKS ON VELLUM.]
The following testimonial, inscribed on vellum, accompanied the
medallion:--
[Illustration]
Royal Humane Society,
INSTITUTED 1774.
FOR THE RECOVERY OF PERSONS APPARENTLY DROWNED OR (DEAD).
_Patron_--The King. _Patroness_--The Queen.
_President_--His Grace the Duke of Northumberland, K.G.
* * * * *
At a General Court holden at the Society's House, Chatham-place,
Blackfriars, on Monday, the 18th day of January, 1836.
Colonel Clitherow, _Vice President_, in the chair, it was resolved
unanimously--
That the noble courage and humanity displayed by
JOHN ELLERTHORPE,
a Seaman of the New Holland Steam Packet, on the 19th of November,
1835, in jumping overboard to the relief of a Sailor, named Robert
Brown, at Hull, whose life he saved; and the repeated heroism which
Ellerthorpe has on former occasions manifested for the preservation
of human life, wholly regardless of the risk he himself incurred,
and by which he saved eight persons from drowning, has called forth
the most lively admiration of this General Court, and justly
entitles him to the Honorary Medallion of the Institution which is
hereby unanimously awarded him.
Northumberland, _President_.
Besleley Weshopp, _Secretary_.
James Clitherow, _Chairman_.
[Sidenote: APPEALS ON BEHALF OF MR. ELLERTHORPE.]
In the year 1846, a number of merchants and gentlemen sought to secure
for our friend the highest rewards the Royal Humane Society could
bestow; but to their application they received the following answer:--
Royal Humane Society,
Office No. 3, Trafalgar Square,
_8th July, 1846_.
Dear Sir,--In reference to your letter of yesterday's date, I beg
to inform you that the pecuniary rewards of this Society are
limited to London and its environs. But honorary rewards are given
for cases which may occur at any distance, upon the particulars
being well authenticated by persons who witnessed the exertions of
the claimant.
Should John Ellerthorpe have risked his life on the occasion you
now allude to, and thereby merit an _Honorary_ Testimonial from the
Society, I shall be most happy in submitting the particulars to the
committee, on their being forwarded agreeably with the enclosed
instruction paper.
I remain, dear Sir,
H. D. R. Pease, Esq., J.P. Yours very obediently,
Hesslewood, near Hull. J. CHARLIER, _Sec._
A second application was made to the Royal Humane Society, in 1852, when
the following reply was returned:--
Royal Humane Society,
Office No. 3, Trafalgar Square,
_28th September, 1852_.
Dear Sir,--In reply to your letter of yesterday's date, I beg to
inform you that the cases alluded to in the statement of John
Ellerthorpe are all _out of date_ for any reward from this Society.
Perhaps you are not aware that he has already received the Silver
Medal of this Institution for the case in 1835, which was laid
before the committee at the proper period, viz., within one month
after the occurrence.
I therefore beg to return you the statements, and remain, dear Sir,
yours obediently,
J. CHARLIER,
Jas. R. Pease, Esq., Hesslewood, Hull. _Sec._
[Sidenote: LARGE CONGRATULATORY MEETING IN HULL.]
In the year 1861, and soon after our friend had rescued John Eaby from a
watery grave, the people of Hull made an effort to reward their brave
and gallant townsman, who had rescued from their own docks and around
the pier, not fewer than twenty-three persons. A committee was formed,
under the presidentship of Mr. John Symons, a member of the Town
Council, and a man of untiring energy and philanthropic disposition. Mr.
Symons thus states the origin and success of this movement:--
'Hull, _Sept 13th, 1867_,
72, Queen Street.
Dear Sir,--I must apologise for my seeming neglect in not complying
earlier with your request respecting Mr. Ellerthorpe: the fact is,
my public duties allow me but little leisure for writing. However,
I will try to refresh my memory as to the way in which that kind,
humane, undaunted man, received recognition. In July, 1861, the
local papers contained an account of a young man named Eaby, who,
while in an apoplectic fit, fell into the dock basin; the tide was
running down rapidly and the wind was blowing strong. Mr.
Ellerthorpe, while on duty at the dock gates, saw the man
struggling and beating the water into foam; he immediately plunged
from the wall, and after a fearful struggle between the two, the
young man being violently affected, both were saved. This act was
witnessed by several people, amongst whom were two warm-hearted
working men, named Steadman and Turner. The following day they
called upon me, with a written list of twenty-nine lives saved by
Mr. Ellerthorpe. The account savoured of romance, but then it was
signed by living witnesses, who corroborated the truth of the
statements made. The men asked me to assist them in getting up some
public demonstration in favour of Mr. Ellerthorpe. I told them I
would lend my humble aid, but they must obtain some man of mark for
their chairman, to take the initiative. They applied to several
gentlemen, but in vain, all refused. They pleaded hard that I would
act as chairman, and sooner than allow the thing to die away, I
consented, although, at the time, entirely unused to address large
public audiences. The mayor, W. Hodge, Esq., granted us the use of
a large room at the Town Hall, and then we issued large placards
calling upon the people to attend and publicly congratulate Mr.
Ellerthorpe on his recent narrow escape, and likewise to open a
subscription for presenting him with a testimonial. The meeting was
a crowded one, but principally composed of working men. I was not
in the least disheartened by this; for long before I had got
through the list of persons saved by John Ellerthorpe, the large
county-court room rang with cheer after cheer pealing forth ever
and anon. When, for the first time, was enrolled the long,
distinguished list of lives saved from drowning by the hitherto
obscure and humble servant of the Humber Dock Company, such heroism
and bravery 'touched' the souls of a few present who could afford
to subscribe.
[Sidenote: COUNCILLOR SYMON'S ACCOUNT OF THE MEETING.]
The following letter from Dale Brown, Esq., was then read:--
Pilot Office, Hull, _Aug. 8, 1861_.
Sir,--Having made an engagement for Friday evening before I knew
of your meeting, I cannot possibly attend.
Had one of our townsmen returned from India or the Crimea, after
destroying half as many lives as Mr. Ellerthorpe has been
instrumental in saving, he would have been considered a 'hero,'
and rewarded accordingly. Surely it is more blessed to save than
to destroy. Should the object of the meeting be to raise a fund
for acknowledging Mr. Ellerthorpe's gallantry, I shall gladly
contribute my mite. I am, Sir, yours obediently,
Mr. John Symons. DALE BROWN.
I then recounted the interview with Mr. Ellerthorpe before
attending the meeting, when I asked him 'what he wished in the
matter,' when he made this reply, Sir, I feel sufficiently rewarded
in my own breast, without receiving any reward excepting the
approbation of heaven, and the satisfaction of having won for
myself the gratitude of my fellow townsmen.' This was responded to
by loud and long cheering. I then called upon Mr. W. Turner to move
the first resolution, and Mr. Steadman to second it, because they
were the pioneers of the movement. _Just at this crisis of the
meeting John Eaby came forward and publicly thanked Ellerthorpe for
what he had done_, which called forth the most exciting cheering.
Then the late Rev. Charles Rawlings (Wesleyan) rose from amongst
the people, and, in a sententious speech delivered with a
stentorian voice, asked, 'How much does the meeting feel towards a
testimonial,' and offered the first donation as a proof of _his
feeling_ for Mr. Ellerthorpe. Our fears were then scattered to the
wind; the vessel I saw was well launched. Another gentleman, Mr.
Henry Taylor, came forward and said, in anticipation of a
subscription being made towards a testimonial to Mr. Ellerthorpe,
he had already collected a nucleus of £35. A committee was then
formed of which I was chosen chairman, Mr. E. Haller, secretary,
and Mr. Taylor, treasurer. Three cheers were then given for the
success of the 'Testimonial Fund,' and when I rose and christened
John Ellerthorpe, 'The Hero of the Humber,' and 'Champion Life Buoy
of England,' the people rose _en masse_ cheering in the most
enthusiastic manner. The next morning found the Humber Dock foreman
a household word. I will not weary you with recapitulating the
result of our labours. From the Premier of England down to the
humblest dock labourer, all vied with each other in subscribing to
the homage of this valorous, humane man.
And, sir, I think a moral may be drawn from this,--that no person,
however humble he may be in his circumstances, but has it in his
power to bless the world. One man can do so by deeds of valour,
another by hard and plodding industry, and a third by thought and
mental efforts. It has been well said, 'they build up a loftier
population making man more manly.' It is evidently our duty to lend
a helping hand in the hour of need, either by our wisdom, power, or
benevolence. This thought should act as an incentive, more or less
powerful, on each person, and make him restless until he becomes
satisfied that he is doing something to ameliorate the condition of
his fellow men. Men should thus fulfil their mission until called
to receive their reward, namely, 'Rest for their souls under the
tree of Life.'
I am, dear Sir, yours respectfully,
Mr. H. Woodcock. JOHN SYMONS.
[Sidenote: A WORKING MAN'S LETTER.]
The following letter, addressed to Mr. Symons, is given as a specimen of
the feeling with which the working men of Hull regarded this movement:--
Hull, _Aug. 9th, 1861_.
Mr. Chairman,--I cannot let the present opportunity pass without
thanking the committee for the movement they have taken in this
affair. It shows that such acts of humanity may appear to slumber
for a time in the breasts of Englishmen until they can bear it no
longer, then out it must come; and permit me to add that the moment
I heard of the movement to present some token of respect to Mr.
Ellerthorpe, it put me in mind of the time when I was a boy about
eight years of age: I was sailing a small boat aside of the steps
of what is commonly called, Sand South End, in the old harbour,
when I over-reached myself and fell in. A boy was with me at the
time who ran up the steps and shouted out, 'A boy overboard.' A
gentleman, who then lived in Humber Street, was sitting in his
front room, he immediately ran out, leaped into the water, took
hold of me just as I was going down for the third time, and saved
my life from a watery grave. I have always reverenced that
gentleman ever since. His name is Mr. Bean, and he was for several
years an alderman for the borough. What, then, must be the feelings
of the thirty-nine who have been saved at the eminent risk and
peril of Mr. Ellerthorpe's life? We may help each other in a
pecuniary point of view, but very few amongst us have the nerve,
power, and ability to leap into the ocean and render assistance to
our fellow men. I have therefore great pleasure in subscribing
five shillings towards anything you may be disposed to present Mr.
Ellerthorpe with.
I am, my dear Sir, your obedient servant,
WM. ALLEN.
[Sidenote: POETIC TRIBUTE OF RESPECT TO 'THE HERO.']
Our friend's name had become familiar as a household word in all circles
of society, in the town and neighbourhood of Hull, and great numbers
lent their influence to this effort to acknowledge the unequalled
bravery of their fellow townsman, whom we must, henceforth acknowledge
as the 'Hero of the Humber.' The 'Hull Daily Express' contained the
following poetic tribute of respect to our 'Hero.'
'Amid all changes evermore unfolded
By mental throe, by accident of time,
Mankind shall venerate the men who moulded
Heroic actions with an aim sublime!
O! ye who shine along life's desert places,
Who've lived for others' good to help and save,
Affection hails ye with profound embraces
And bows before a brother truly brave!
One whose gallant deeds in noble brotherhood,
Nobler far than warrior's valiant strife,
Have found their own reward in others' good
And proved a blessing in preserving life.
And WHO IS HE of whom this land is proud,
Whose name we honour and whose worth is known?
He's one who does his duty in the crowd,
A worker there--and yet he stands alone!
Without pretension, who by deeds endears
His name afar beyond his native strand,
A son of toil--yet one of Nature's peers!
Whose worth's acknowledged in his native land!
His is the praise well won for gallant action
In saving life along our Humber shore,
And there are many hearths where recollection
Returns to him in blessings evermore!
And he is worthy!--for in his soul implanted
There is a noble usefulness--his choice
For others' good, which bards of old have chanted
To those who, like him, have made hearts rejoice.
O! should these lines be found in after days--
A tribute to his fair and honoured name--
Let such accord to him the meed of praise,
Tell of his bravery and his worth proclaim!
All honour to thee, Ellerthorpe, and thine,
And as duty calls thee to thy post each morn,
May good attend thee and its graces shine,
And lead thee upward and thy name adorn.'
[Sidenote: VOTE OF THANKS FROM THE ROYAL HUMANE SOCIETY.]
The following petition, signed by W. Hodge, Esq., Mayor, and upwards of
sixty of the leading ministers, merchants, and gentlemen of Hull, was
forwarded to the Royal Humane Society:--
To the Honourable the Court of the
Royal Humane Society.
We, the undersigned, members of the municipal corporation, the
Trinity House, and the Dock Company at Kingston-upon-Hull, and
merchants of that borough, beg most respectfully to submit to the
consideration of your honourable court, the services of John
Ellerthorpe, now a foreman in the service of the Dock Company of
this borough, who, during the course of the last forty years has,
by the providence of God and his own intrepidity, rescued from a
watery grave no fewer than twenty-eight persons, often at the great
risk of his own life, as may be seen from the statement of
particulars hereto annexed.
On a former occasion, on the 18th of January, 1836, you were
pleased to award to Ellerthorpe a medallion and certificate on a
representation being made to the society of his having saved eight
persons from drowning while employed as a mariner in the New
Holland Ferry.
Considering that the number of persons he has now saved amounts to
twenty-eight, we take the liberty of bringing Ellerthorpe's further
claims before your notice, believing that you will think with us
that his further successful exertions in the cause of humanity, in
saving so many persons from drowning, merit some additional mark of
your approval.
We are,
Your honourable court's most obedient servants.
In response to this appeal the society awarded to our 'Hero' an especial
vote of thanks, of which more _anon_.
The following appeal was made to Lord Palmerston:
Yarmouth and Rotterdam Steam Packet Office,
Kingston-upon-Hull,
_30th August, 1861._
My Lord,--The enclosed documents relate to a series of, perhaps,
unequalled acts of daring on the part of an inhabitant, a working
man, of this borough, in rescuing persons from drowning. He has
succeeded, at the repeated risk of his own life, in saving no fewer
than twenty-nine persons from a watery grave.
The Court of the Royal Humane Society having, in respect of the
twenty-ninth case, and in reply to the enclosed petition, awarded
him their 'Thanks on Vellum,' a committee of his fellow townsmen
has been organised to ensure for him some more substantial award.
From your lordship's well-known appreciation of heroic benevolence,
the committee has ventured to lay his case before you, in the hope
that you would deem it worthy of your distinguished patronage.
I have the honour to be, on the part of the committee,
Your Lordship's
Most humble and obedient servant,
EDWARD HALLER,
_Hon. Sec. 'Ellerthorpe Testimonial.'_
[Sidenote: RECEIVES £20 FROM THE ROYAL BOUNTY.]
In reply, _His Lordship_ forwarded from the _Royal bounty_ the handsome
donation of £20. The following is the letter announcing this gift:--
13632 Treasury, Whitehall, S.W.,
61 17th _September_, 1861.
Sir,--I am commanded by the Lords Commissioners to Her Majesty's
Treasury to acquaint you that, upon the recommendation of Viscount
Palmerston, the Paymaster General has been authorised to pay you
the sum of £20, as of Her Majesty's Royal bounty.
I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
GEO. W. HAMILTON.
Mr. John Ellerthorpe, Kingston-upon-Hull.
The Board of Trade was next appealed to as follows:
Hull, 8th _August_, 1861.
_To the Right Honourable Thomas Milner Gibson, President of the
Board of Trade, London._
Honourable Sir,--I beg most humbly to lay before your honourable
Board the case of John Ellerthorpe, foreman of the Humber Dock
gates at this place, who saved the life of John Eaby under most
trying circumstances, and at great risk of his own life.
On the 30th of July last the said John Eaby was seized with a fit
and fell into the dock basin, a depth of nearly twenty feet from
the top. John Ellerthorpe, hearing his cries for assistance,
spontaneously leaped into the water, and after struggling with the
man in that dangerous condition, eventually succeeded in saving his
life.
I likewise humbly beg to inform your honourable Board that this is
the twenty-ninth person's life the said John Ellerthorpe has been
the exclusive means of saving from a watery grave.
If your honourable Board should deem his actions of humanity worthy
of your honourable Board's notice, a committee of the working men
of this town is in formation to present him with a memorial, and if
your honourable Board consider him worthy of any remuneration, I
will communicate the same to the chairman of the committee, who
will forward any information your honourable Board may require.
I remain your most humble and obedient servant,
THOMAS RAWLINSON.
2, Wellington-street, Hull.
[Sidenote: RECEIVES A SILVER MEDAL.]
In answer to this appeal, the Board of Trade, through Sir Emmerson
Tennant, struck a silver medal to the honour of Mr. Ellerthorpe.
The Sovereign having awarded our 'Hero' with a gift of £20, and the
Royal Humane Society and the Board of Trade having decorated him with
their marks of honour, it remained for the inhabitants of Hull to show
their appreciation of the humane and gallant deeds of their fellow
townsman. Such deeds as our 'Hero' _had_ performed are not less heroic
than feats of valour on the battle-field, and well deserve _public_
recognition as well as reward from private associations.
* * * * *
[Sidenote: PRESENTATION MEETING IN HULL.]
The long-looked-for presentation took place in the Music Hall, Jarratt
Street, Hull, on Wednesday evening, November the 6th, 1861. Upwards of
four hundred persons sat down to tea, and the local papers state that
greater enthusiasm was, perhaps, never witnessed than during this
remarkable meeting. The room was gaily decorated with bannarets, and
suspended over the chair was a large flag, bearing the following
motto:--
'LONG LIVE ELLERTHORPE, THE HERO OF THE HUMBER!'
Grace having been chanted and justice done to the sumptuous tea, the
public meeting began. Mr. John Symons occupied the chair, and he was
surrounded on the platform by a large number of ministers, gentlemen,
merchants, mechanics, and working men.
[Sidenote: CHAIRMAN'S ADDRESS.]
The Chairman said:--It was a common custom of persons not novices
situated similarly to himself, to preface their remarks by saying
that some person of higher local distinction ought to occupy the
honourable position as chairman, and that was his request to the
committee. But as such a person was not secured, he felt proud of
the position he occupied amongst them. He little thought that the
movement would have proved so successful when he embarked in it,
for with but little effort we have received the free-will offerings
of £170. Of course printing, advertising, and other incidental
expenses were incurred, and cannot be dispensed with in order to
succeed in similar objects. The Royal Humane Society had awarded to
Ellerthorpe an especial vote of thanks; the Board of Trade, through
Sir Emmerson Tennant, had struck a silver medal in his honour; and
last, but not least, the popular Premier of England had forwarded
from the royal bounty the handsome donation of £20. Thus the
movement so humbly began, resembled the 'little spring in the
mountain rock,' which became a brook, a torrent, a wide rolling
river. By narrating the lives saved by Ellerthorpe's unprecedented
bravery, they had struck a chord in the innermost recesses of the
heart of the benevolent portion of the people. He was surprised to
find that no one had recognised Ellerthorpe's heroism before.
During a period of forty years he had saved the lives of upwards of
thirty persons. But however tardily it may appear to some,
ultimately, eternal justice will assert itself. John Ellerthorpe
never required, never expected any public recognition of his
services. The only praise sought by him was--
'What nothing earthly gives or can destroy,
The soul's calm sunshine and the heartfelt joy.'
in being the means of saving so many lives from premature death by
drowning. Never let it be said the days of chivalry were over in
England while we have such a nobleman as a Lord Beauclerc[3] of
Scarborough, and a commoner called Ellerthorpe at Hull. He believed
with those who say that the men who dares the 'tempests' wrath,'
and the 'billows' madden'd play' on the errand of saving life, to
be as great heroes as those who 'seek for bubble reputation at the
cannon's mouth.' He would rather be a bearer of thirty blessings
than the hero of one hundred fights. No true history of Hull could
be written which did not contain the record of Ellerthorpe's name,
and the glorious deeds he had performed. Nor could he conclude
without expressing the heartfelt hope that the 'Hero of the Humber'
might long live to enjoy the splendid gifts about to be presented
to him, and when disease shall overtake him in his declining days,
may the contents of that purse procure for him the means whereby
his pillow of affliction may be smoothed and softened.
* * * * *
The Rev. C. Rawlings then expatiated, in a most powerful address,
on the life-saving labours of Mr. Ellerthorpe, which was listened
to with a rapt attention, and when he resumed his seat it was
amidst a tempest of applause.
* * * * *
Mr. Taylor, the treasurer, then presented the gold watch and guard,
and a beautiful purse containing one hundred guineas. The Watch
bears the following inscription:--
[Illustration]
PRESENTED TO
JOHN ELLERTHORPE,
_(By Voluntary Subscriptions) together with a_
Purse containing One Hundred Guineas,
He having saved Twenty-nine Persons from Drowning.
Hull, Nov. 6th, 1861.
[Sidenote: RECEIVES A PURSE OF ONE HUNDRED GUINEAS.]
THE PURSE BEARS THIS INSCRIPTION:--
[Illustration]
THIS PURSE,
CONTAINING
One Hundred Guineas;
ALSO, A
GOLD WATCH & GUARD,
IS PRESENTED TO
JOHN ELLERTHORPE,
_Foreman of the Humber Dock Gates_,
BY VOLUNTARY SUBSCRIPTIONS,
HE HAVING SAVED TWENTY-NINE PERSONS FROM BEING DROWNED.
_Hull, November 6th, 1861._
Mr. Alderman Fountain, amid loud applause, and in a few appropriate
words, then presented to Mr. Ellerthorpe the following vote of
thanks, inscribed on vellum, from the Royal Humane Society:--
[Sidenote: ROYAL HUMANE SOCIETY'S THANKS.]
[Illustration]
Royal Humane Society,
INSTITUTED 1774.
Supported by Voluntary Contributions.
_Patron_--Her Majesty the Queen
_Vice Patron_--H. R. H. The Duke of Cambridge, K.C., G.C., M.G.
_President_--His Grace the Duke of Argyll, K.T.
* * * * *
At a Meeting of the Committee of the Royal Humane Society, holden
at their Office, 4, Trafalgar Square, on Wednesday, the 21st of
August, 1861.
Present--Thos. Eld. Baker, Esq., Treasurer, in the chair. It was
resolved unanimously--
That the noble courage and humanity displayed by
JOHN ELLERTHORPE,
Foreman of the Humber Dock, in having on the 30th July, 1861,
jumped into the Dock Basin at Hull, to the relief of John Eaby, who
had accidentally fallen therein, and whose life he saved, has
called forth the admiration of this Committee, and justly entitles
him to its sincere thanks, inscribed on Vellum, which are hereby
awarded, he having already received the Honorary Silver Medallion
of this Institution for a similar act in 1835.
Argyll, _President_.
Lambton J. H. Young, _Secretary_.
Thos. Eld. Baker, _Chairman_.
[Sidenote: MEDAL FROM THE BOARD OF TRADE.]
The medal, which is said to be a fine specimen of artistic beauty and
elegant workmanship, bears the following device:--One side of the medal
represents a group on a raft. One of the men is seated on a spar, waving
a handkerchief, as a signal to a small boat seen in the distance;
another is supporting a sailor who appears in a drowning state. There is
also a female holding a child in her arms, the sea having a stormy
appearance. The group forms a most interesting allegory. On the obverse
side is a large profile of Her Majesty, the border bearing the following
inscription:--
'Awarded by the Board of Trade for Gallantry in Saving Life.--V.R.'
Engraved round the edge are the following words:
'Presented to John Ellerthorpe in Acknowledgment of his repeated
Acts of Gallantry in Saving Life. 1861.'
It is enclosed in an elegant Morocco case, the lid of which has
inscribed upon it, in gilt letters:--
'Board of Trade Medal for Gallantry in Saving Life at Sea, Awarded
to John Ellerthorpe.'
In presenting this handsome testimonial, Mr. Brown said:--
He quite agreed with the Chairman that the last great day alone
would reveal the consequences of Ellerthorpe's bravery. He had to
present to him what he might fairly call a _national testimonial_,
as it was from a branch of our national institutions--the Board of
Trade. He had very great pleasure in presenting it to him, and he
earnestly prayed that none of his children might ever have to do
for him what he had done for his own father. He wished him long
life to wear the _medal of honour_.
[Sidenote: THE HERO'S ADDRESS.]
Mr. Ellerthorpe then advanced to the front of the platform, and
with a heart throbbing with hallowed feeling and eyes filled with
tears, he said; I cannot find words with which to express
adequately the gratitude I feel at so much kindness having been
extended to me, not only by the attendance of the large audience I
see before me, but by the numerous testimonials that have been
presented to me. I never expected any reward for what I have done,
and I have before now refused many offers of rewards that have
been made to me by the friends of many whom I have been the means,
in the hands of God, of rescuing from a watery grave. I do,
however, feel proud at receiving these testimonials, and I trust
they will be preserved by my children, and by my children's
children, as mementos of my country's acknowledgments of the
service I have rendered my fellow-creatures; and yet I feel that I
derive far more satisfaction from the consciousness that I have
done my duty to my fellow-creatures, in their hour of danger, than
I do from the splendid presents you have made me. I hope I shall
ever be ready in the future to do as I have done in the past,
should circumstances require it of me.--He was greeted with loud
applause both at the commencement and conclusion of his speech.
A vote of thanks was then passed to the Treasurer and Secretary,
Mr. Taylor and Mr. Haller, who responded. The Rev. J. Petty also
spoke.
Mr. Pearson (ex-Mayor) then moved a similar vote to the committee.
In doing so, he said that it was most remarkable that they had
allowed a man like Ellerthorpe to have saved so many as thirty
persons from drowning before any public recognition of his services
had taken place. As it was, a hundred guineas were far below his
merits, and he was sure that the merchants of the town had been
remiss in their duty in respect to this matter.
Mr. Rufford returned thanks on behalf of the committee.
Rev. C. Rawlings proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman, shaking
him warmly by the hand, and congratulating him on the part he had
taken in this noble movement.
The Chairman, in responding, said, he had merely done his duty in
the matter; his work had been a pleasure to him, and he had
received many valuable lessons, the good impressions of which he
hoped would endure in his mind through life. Seeing that we live
surrounded with water, and that casualties are occurring almost
weekly, he thought it was the duty of the people of Hull to
stimulate others to follow Mr. Ellerthorpe's example. He should
always look back with pride and pleasure to that evening's meeting.
'When time, who steals our years away,
Shall steal its pleasures too,
The memory of the past will stay,
And all its joys renew.'
He then called upon the audience to close the present meeting as
they did the inaugurating meeting, by cheers for the 'Hero of the
Humber and England's Champion Life Buoy,' which was responded to by
the company rising, _en masse_, cheering most tumultuously.
The National Anthem was then sung. Mr. Morrison, organist, and a
party of vocalists, enlivened the proceedings, which were very
liberally interspersed with enthusiastic applause on every mention
of the 'Hero's' name.
[Sidenote: LIST OF SUBSCRIPTIONS.]
It is but right to state that the entire sum collected towards the
'Ellerthorpe Testimonial Fund' amounted to £197 10s., and that about
£133 in cash was handed over to the 'Hero of the Humber.'
Mr. Hudson, artist, Queen St., presented to Mr. Ellerthorpe a photograph
portrait.
[Footnote 3: This brave nobleman was at Scarborough during one of the
most fearful and disastrous storms that ever swept the Yorkshire coast.
He had no sleep on the previous night on account of the storm, and on
Saturday he said to a friend 'I shall have a sound sleep to-night.'
Alas! before he closed his eyes in sleep, and while nobly endeavouring
to rescue a number of drowning sailors, a huge wave carried him out to
sea, and he perished in the 'mighty waters.']