THE LATE DR. F. W. PENNEFATHER.
(To THE EDITOR OP THE " SPECTATOR.") Sts,—Frederick William Pennefather, LL.D., who passed away on Sunday, February 6th, will be widely mourned all over the world by those who had the privilege of knowing him and appreciating that rare combination of a great brain, a lively wit, and a very simple goodness. Although his body never matched his spirit—as he used to say—he struggled against ill-health with such indomitable courage that his life was an unusually full and interesting one. Born sixty-eight years ago, he fol- lowed the tradition of his family, and was called to the Irish Bar. When he was quite a young man ill-health obliged him to take a long sea voyage, which resulted in his remaining for many years in Australasia. He became Professor of Law at Adelaide University, acted as private secretary to Sir William Jervois and to Lord Tennyson, and was for some years Judge of the Supreme Court at Dunedin. When on his brother's death he succeeded to the family place, Rathsallagh, in Co. Wicklow, he came home and applied his versatile brain to the unfamiliar business of farming with great success.
A great traveller and keen observer, he took a delight in writing interesting and authoritative treatises on such widely different subjects as ancient architecture in India and Mormonism in Salt Lake City. He also wrote Murray's Guide to New Zealand and several law books, besides using his pen indefatigably in the Irish Unionist cause. A great many of his articles appeared in the Spectator, and his book, Is Ulster Right? which was published anonymously, attracted much attention by the perfect fairness and precision with which he put. his case before the public. This book gave rise to an amusing- little incident. Dr. Pennefather found himself to be one of the guests of honour at an afternoon party, the other being Canon Hannay (George Birmingham), author of The Red Hand of Ulster. Their charming hostess introduced them, saying: "I asked you specially to meet each other because you both write books about Ulster "! Besides his other many interests he was a truly practical philanthropist, giving generously not only of his money, but also of his time and thoughts to such good causes as the Church of England Waifs and Strays Society and the Farm School (Reformatory) at Redhill, where he would spend Christmas or Easter in order to get into personal touch with the boys.---I am, Sir, &c., X.
Previous page
