CLASS OF 1866

Our classmate, Charles Quincy Tirrell, died suddenly and unexpectedly of hemorrhage of the brain, at his home in Natick, Mass., Sunday, July 31. He retired at the usual hour in good spirits and in excellent health.

He was born in Sharon, Mass., December 10, 1844. After graduation from college, he became principal of the academy at Peacham, Vt.; then of the St. Johnsbury, Vt., High School. He studied law with Richard H. Dana, in Boston, and was admitted to the bar in Suffolk County in 1870. In 1873 he took up his residence in Natick, where he made his home until his death.

Mr. Tirrell had a long, varied, and honorable political career. In 1871 he was chosen to represent Weymouth as representative in the state legislature, and in 1881 he was elected state senator, and was re-elected in the following year. He was presidential elector in 1888. He ran for Congress in the old ninth district of Massachusetts in 1900, and was elected. He had been returned at every election since that date. His interests in Congress were broad and varied, and his influence was correspondingly great. He was interested especially in education, in irrigation, and in temperance laws. He was a hard worker in the legislation to abolish canteens at the national soldiers' homes. His greatest service in committee work was done upon the Judiciary Committee, of which he was an important member. His work in the establishment of rural free delivery routes will always be a monument of his wide interest in the people, whom it was his pleasure to serve.

He had a strong hold upon the voters in his district, especially among those who were active in agricultural pursuits. He was highly respected and honored among his townspeople. He had many public interests. He was moderator for many years of town meetings; an incorporator of three savings banks; a director in a number of manufacturing corporations; a past grand master of the order of I. O. O. F. He was warden of St. Paul's Episcopal church of Natick.

As a mark of respect, all places of business were closed during the funeral services. He was buried from the Congregational church because of the very large attendance, with the Episcopal service, Wednesday, August 3. There was present a large congressional delegation. In this delegation were Senator Lodge of Massachusetts, Senator Aldrich of Rhode Island, Representatives Greene, McCall, and others.

What Governor Draper of Massachusetts said of our classmate is true: "He was a most honest and conscientious congressman. His death is a distinct loss to his district."

He married at Natick, February 13, 1873, Miss Mary E. Hollis, who, with one son, Arthur H., survives him.

Secretary, Henry Whittemore, State Street, Framingham, Mass.