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George B. Pidgeon

(1873-1894)

(This copy of Obituary is in the Bible of John Ingersent)

Union Advertiser Aug. 24, 1894 Pg. 5 Col. 2

GEORGE B. PIDGEON'S DEATH.

A Young Musician of Remarkable Promise Passes Away.

George B. Pidgeon, son of George and Margaret Pidgeon, died early yesterday afternoon at the family residence, 98 Lexington Avenue, aged 21 years. Deceased was a musician of remarkable promise. Although young in years he was rapidly winning a foremost place in the ranks of the local musicians. His talent in this direction developed at an early age and since his childhood he had been an earnest, industrious and intelligent student. While securing his general education in the common schools and Rochester Free Academy, he continued his musical training without interruption, for he was an indefatigable worker.

Mr. Pidgeon's last studies were under Prof. Eugene Bonn in piano and Herve D. Wilkins in organ music. For a number of years he had been a member of the Cathedral choir, singing basso. He was a member of the Rochester Musical Protective Association. It was only on a few occasions, including a Polyhymnian Society concert, that he appeared in public as a piano soloist and his performance at these times was such as to win the highest encomiums from all. His success in his profession seemed assured but death cut short his promising career.

Always of slight physical strength his health early commenced to fail, noticeably last winter. Consumption claimed him as a victim and the best medical attendance was of no avail. He failed rapidly during the past three months and the end came peacefully yesterday. He bore his illness with fortitude, displaying the manly characteristics which marked his life's brief history. A best of friends sympathizes sincerely with the parents bereaved of their only child.

The funeral will take place to-morrow morning at 8:30 o'clock from the house, and at 9 o'clock from the Cathedral.

Union Advertiser Aug. 25, 1894 Pg. 8 Col. 5

LAID AT REST.

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Impressive Funeral Services of the Late George B. Pidgeon.

The funeral of George B. Pidgeon took place this morning at 8:30 o'clock from the house, and at 9 o'clock at the Cathedral. There was a large attendance of relatives and friends, testifying the esteem in which they held the young musician.

Solemn requiem mass was celebrated at the church by the rector, Rev. J. P. Kiernan, assisted by Rev. John G. Van Ness as deacon, and Rev. C. O'Loughlin as sub-deacon. The choir, under Prof. Eugene Bonn's direction, san the requiem mass by Joos. After the mass and the prayers for the dead. "Lead Kindly Light" was sun by a quartette from the Polhymnian Society, composed of W. J. Kane, W. F. Predmore, E. M. Darcy and C. J. Rhodes. The Musicians' Protective Association attended the funeral in a body, marching as an escort of honor with the hearse. A band made up of the members furnished music. A large number of the oldest and best known musicians in the city were in line.

The bearers were: C. J. Iven, Frank Scholani, John Coughlin, Robert Burns, George Burns and John Ryan. There were numerous beautiful floral offerings. Among the numbers were : Harp, from the Cathedral Choir; pillow, from the parents; star and crescent, Mr. and Mrs. John Hughes and C. J. Iven; star and crescent, John Laveque and family; cross, John Heaney; star, William Pidgeon and family; cross, Misses Mary McKeon and Emma McGill; basket of roses, Mr. and Mrs. Searson; cut flowers, Mr. and Mrs. H. Loder; star, Mr. and Mrs. F. A. McGill; cut flowers, Mr. and Mrs. Arnold. The interment was in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

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by Linda Blum-Barton