REV. FATHER BORRIES DIED FROM INFLUENZA

HAD BEEN CRITICALLY ILL WITH INFLUENZA FOR LESS THAN WEEK

FUNERAL HERE TUESDAY

Burial Will Probably Be Made Here--Priest Held in highest Esteem Thruout This City and County.

Shortly after 8 o'clock this morning the tolling of bells at the St. joseph Catholic Church announced the sad news of the death of the Rev. Father George C. Borries, pastor of the church for more than four years, which occurred at the St. Francis Hospital in Beech Grove, near Indianapolis at 7:45 o'clock this morning.

He was 43 years, 7 months and 4 days old.

The body of the beloved man was brought to the late home 125 East Broadway, this evening and the funeral services will be held at the St. Joseph Church next Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock.

The Rev. Father Bosler, pastor of the St. Vincent Catholic Church, assisted by other priests, will conduct the services and the burial will probably be made in the St. Joseph Cemetery here.

Altho Father Borries was taken ill with influenza two weeks ago he refused to give up his work until last Friday evening when he suffered a high fever immediately after the vesper services at the church which are being held in the Lenten season. He is believed toto have contracted a severe cold while officiating at a funeral held here recently in the cemetery, which developed the illness. His condition was serious last Sunday and he was unable to say mass and a substitute was obtained. however his condition improved somewhat Monday and Tuesday and it was believed he would recover rapidly. however he was taken critically ill Wednesday with plueurisy that resulted from the influenza and settled in his lung and Wednesday evening he was rushed to the St. Francis Hospital. Wednesday evening he was violently ill and there was little chance for his recovery.

Before leaving on the trip the last rites of the church were administered to him by the Rev. Father Bosler, who with Edwin Soler and Dr. Sam Kennedy, of this city, accompanied the stricken man.

The news of his death spread rapidly thruout the the city and county today and everywhere there was grief.

Father Borries was respected, admired and loved by all people and was held in highest esteem by Protestants and Catholics alike. His ability as a manager and adviser was known in the activities of many of the organizations of the city in which he was interested. He served on the Red Cross executive board, assisted in the distribution of charity and was interested in the Board of Charities that is in operation here at this time.

He devoted much time to the interests of the Catholic Church and looked forward to the cancellation of all indebtedness on the magnificent structure. Since coming to this city 4 years ago last October, Father Borries has reduced the indebtedness on the local church to an almost insignificant sum by his splendid management and direction. He had fixed this year as the time when the debt would be cancelled.

As a speaker, Father Borries was excellent. His sermons were the result of study and a brilliant mind. He was a deep and serious thinker and the exemplifiation of kindness itself. His parishioners have lost a leader who placed his life at their disposal and for their spiritual welfare.

Father Borries was born in Evansville, Ind., Aug. 5, 1878, the son of Charles and Mary Borries.

He was educated for the priesthood in St. Minard's college near Jasper, Ind., where he was ordained by the bishop of the diocese. He celebrated his firstmass in the St. Mary Church at Evansville, Ind., June 7, 1903, and was then appointed as assistant at the parsonage in New Albany, Ind. Later he was assigned to the charge in Hamburg, Ind., and from there was transferred to this city, succeeding Father Schnellenberger. He came here four years ago last October.