Transcribed without making changes to spelling and grammar. Transcribed by Joyce Robinson The Portsmouth Times Dated: September 4, 1880 The Long Slumber. Death of a Most Prominent Citizen and Public Benefactor. Benjamin B. Gaylord, one of Portsmouth's most esteemed citizens, bid adieu to terrestial (sic) scenes and departed this life, Wednesday night, at 10 o'clock at his residence on Second street. Mr. Gaylord's large circle of friends and acquaintances, was not confined to the county nor to the State, and while his demise will cause a general feeling of regret away from hone, here where most of his active career was spent, his loss will be most deeply mourned. In his death the city loses one of its best citizens, society a benefactor and the Church one of its pillars. For the past few years Mr. Gaylord had not been engaged in commercial pursuits, but had retired to his residence, where after a life of usefulness, he passed the remainder of his days peacefully and pleasantly, surrounded by a loving wife, an affectionate family and all the comforts a cheerful home could offer. But while his later life has been one of seclusion from the din and excitement of business life, his generous deeds, noble impuilses, and spotless career have not been forgotten, but will shine with a luster so brilliant that time can never efface it. Benevolent and generous to an extreme degree, Mr. Gaylord's departure will be keenly felt by the poor and needy. In him they found a true friend and benefactor, one who never disappointed hope nor deserted sorrow. Of his moans he gave freely and cheerfully. The needy never applied in vain, and no charitable purpose was originated but that received of his ample bounty. Benjamin B. Gaylord was born at Westerfille, N. Y., Nov. 26, 1811, and at the time of his death was aged 68 years, 9 months and 6 days. The early part of his life was spent in the East, his ime being divided between school teaching and farming. In the spring of 1839 he cme to Portsmouth and was in the employ of his cousin, the late T. G. GAYLORD. Serving in this capacity for some time, in 1844 he took charge of Clinton Furnace, which was very successfully managed. In October of the year following this, Mr. Gaylord was united in marriage to MARGARET HEMPSTEAD. Of this union three children are living, BANJAMIN H., MATTIE and NELLIE, all of whom are now residing at home. Returning to Portsmouth in 1848, he assumed full control of the upper rolling mill, remaining in charge until December of 1874, when ill-heath was the means of his retiring from business. Mr. Gaylord had the esteem and confidence of the hundreds of employes (sic) that worked for him, and they always regarded his interests as carefully as they would their own. Although engaged in the iron business over a quarter of a century, his employes (sic) never struck, not even when the hands of neighboring mills were dissatisfied and had ceased work. During the war he had large contracts with the department, which were always conducted in a satisfactorily manner to the Government. Besides his business here, the deceased was interested largely in mills and factories elsewhere, though he never took an active part in their management. He was an incessant worker and a great financier, attending personally to the burden of his business. The deceased was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, and for nearly a quarter of a century was one of its pillars, occupying the position of Elder for a long period. Mr Gaylord was a very unassuming and modest person, and many of his generous deeds were only known to himself and those receiving his aid. He never failed to inquire after the welfare of the needy, and when an opportunity offered for doing a charitable act it was never neglected. The funeral services took place from the late residence, and were largely attended. Relatives and friends of the family of the deceased were present from Cincinnati, Columbus, Chillicothe, Ironton and other cities. The mill employes (sic) turned out en masse and followed the procession to the grave in a body, and, in respect to the memory of the dead, the mill was closed and a flag, heavily draped in mourning, suspended at half-mast. The funeral services were conducted by Rev. Dr. PRATT, of the First Presbyterian Church, assisted by Rev. KETCHUM, of the Second Church. The occasion was a most solemn one, and sorrowing tears were shed over the last sad rites and tribute of respect paid to the deceased. After the ceremonies the procession moved to Green Lawn, and the remains of the great and good man were laid at rest to await the summons of his Master's voice: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant."