Edward Samuel Vigor (died 1886, aged 39)

Vancouver Island Masonic History Project

Edward Samuel Vigor (died 1886, aged 39) was a member of Vancouver & Quadra Lodge No. 2 in Victoria. He is buried in Ross Bay Cemetery.

Here is a brief biography of Brother Edward Samuel Vigor  taken from contemporary sources:

“Death of Mr. E. A. Vigor
——–

The illness with which Mr. Vigor, the respected Dominion steamboat inspector, was stricken on Sunday night, terminated fatally at an early hour yesterday morning. The deceased gentleman, who was a native of London and aged 39 years, came to the province about two years ago and entered at once upon the discharge of the arduous duties to which he had been assigned by the Dominion government. He was a man of acknowledged ability in his profession, and his honor and probity were unquestioned. In early life he entered the merchant service as an Engineer and while on the African coast contracted coast fever. Afterwards he was attacked by the yellow fever, the seeds of which remained in his system and gradually undermined his health. The fatal complaint was inflammation of the bowels. All that a devoted wife and sympathizing friends combined with the best medical attention could do, failed to save him. Mr. Vigor was conscious till within a couple of hours of his death and met his fate with fortitude. He leaves behind him a widow and 3 young children who have the entire sympathy of all in their hour of deep distress. The funeral will take place under the auspices of Vancouver-Quadra lodge, F. & A.M., at 3 p.m. today from the family residence, Cadboro Bay road. Flags on the shipping were displayed at half-mast yesterday as a token of respect to the memory of the deceased.”

(Source: Daily British Colonist, 7 May 1886, page 3)

“Funeral of Mr. E.S. Vigor – The funeral of the late Mr. E.S. Vigor took place yesterday afternoon from the family residence on Cadboro Bay road. Rev. Mr. Jenns read a portion of the funeral service of the Church of England over the remains at the house. The body was then placed in a hearse and a procession, headed by the Vancouver-Quadra Lodge of Masons, was formed and proceeded to Ross Bay cemetery, where the Rev. Jenns read the remainder of the service. Bro. R.B. McMicking then read the masonic burial service and the body was consigned to the grave. The attendance was very large, and much sympathy was expressed for the wife and children, suddenly bereft of their earthly protector, who was a man of sterling qualities and universally liked. The pall bearers were: Joseph Spratt, Captain Lewis, Captain Irving, Thomas Earle, W.T. Bullen, Andrew Gray, W. Collister, and D.W. Higgins. Flags on the shipping drooped sadly at half-mast during the progress of the funeral.”

(Source: Daily British Colonist, 8 May 1886, page 3, column 1)

Edward Samuel Vigor is buried in Ross Bay Cemetery, Victoria, B.C. We will get a photo of his grave in the near future.

Would you like to leave a comment or question about anything on this page?