Death of S.G. Goodrich, Esq.
Published: May 11, 1860 The New York Times
We deeply regret that we are obliged to announce the death of Mr. S.G. GOODRICH, more widely known as "Peter Parley," -- the pseudonym under which he acquired his reputation. He died very suddenly, at his residence in Ninth-street, of disease of the heart. Mr. GOODRICH was a native of Connecticut, and was born in 1793, -- though no one would have judged from his appearance that he was so nearly seventy years old. He had a vigorous constitution, which he preserved to the last by care and regularity in his mode of life. He began life as a publisher, first in Hartford and afterwards in Boston, -- and edited in the days of Annuals one of the most celebrated of them, the Token, from 1828 to 1842.
His greatest success, however, was achieved in compiling books for children, -- designed to convey instruction in natural history, travels, biography, and various branches of science and art, by simply-written narratives and anecdotes, copiously illustrated by engravings. He wrote as "Peter Parley" telling stories to children, and for many years the series of works thus published, extending to over forty volumes, had an enormous circulation, both in this country and abroad. They introduced a class of books which have since become universal.
In 1841, he established a periodical called Merry's Museum, based upon the same general plan, which he continued until 1854. In 1857, he published two volumes of Recollections, -- containing an immense amount of exceedingly interesting memoranda concerning men and events in Connecticut, and forming one of the most readable books of the day. Mr. GOODRICH was appointed American Consul at Paris under Mr. FILLMORE, and held that office for several years. He performed its duties with great fidelity, and enjoyed the respect and esteem of all with whom he came in contact.
He published several works while there calculated to diffuse a more general knowledge of America and its institutions, and upon his return prepared an elaborate and admirable illustrated History of the Animal Kingdom, which was issued last year in two large and elegant volumes. He was a man of great diligence, and continued to prosecute his literary labors to the latest period of his life.
Mr. GOODRICH was preparing to leave the City, and to reside in Connecticut. Some four or five weeks since he sold his furniture, pictures, &c., and was intending to remove his family within a few days. His death will be deeply regretted, even beyond the very wide circle of his personal friends and acquaintances.
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