1890.] 61 [Vaux . 



fond of art, whether painting, sculpture, architecture, or music. He was 

 an accomplished pianist and organist. He lectured on the history of art 

 for many of the last years of his life. His critical judgment of works of 

 art had been cultivated by prolonged residence in Europe. He was a 

 man of sensitive and delicate nature. His modesty was almost a fault. 

 He was the most agreeable of companions and the most faithful of friends. 

 A more refined, gentle, cultured, lovable man, one would seldom meet. 

 Withal he had a most devout spirit. He was almost from boyhood a com- 

 municant of the Protestant Episcopal Church, but was in most catholic 

 relations with Christians of every name. He represented the finest type 

 of American scholar, college officer, Christian gentleman. 



Obituary Notice of Franklin B. Gowen. 



By Richard Vaux. 

 (Read before the American P/iilosopJiical Society, March 7, 1890.} 



Called to our Federal Capital, in the District of Columbia, by oner- 

 ous and perplexing professional engagements, Franklin B. Gowen there 

 died on the 14th day of December, 1889. 



His life was remarkable. It was a lesson and an example. His mind 

 was of more than exceptional power. His energy seemed exhaustless. A 

 courage that met, without hesitancy, opposition and antagonism, was ani- 

 mated by a temperament so sanguine, that defeat was obscured by the 

 brilliant promise of anticipated success. 



Mr. Gowen was devoted to literature, assiduously cultivating his taste 

 for its highest standards, proficient in scientific knowledge, to which he 

 applied intelligent study, and an eloquent, impressive and learned lawyer. 



He possessed capacities for the management of great enterprises involv- 

 ing great interests, so that it may be said of him, he was the peer of the 

 distinguished men of his day. 



His public speeches were masterly. In the discussion of principles, the 

 treatment of details, grouping the arguments as to each, he brought out 

 the strongest points of his contentions with a forensic ability recognized 

 to be of a high order. 



He was capable of augmented possibilities. His memorable and success- 

 ful effort to maintain the safeguards of imperiled rights and public 

 security attests his force of character, latent till stimulated into action. 

 This statement is not amenable to the criterion of a too florid coloring; it 

 is rather in harmony with the natural tints of his character. 



Earnest, aggressive, sanguine, capable, laborious, his capacities and ac- 

 quirements were forces that demonstrated his powers. It has been said 

 by high authority, that if elsewhere, certainly in Philadelphia, her most 



