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100
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anyone in trouble. Her fellow-members in committees were largely
guided by the eminently practical advice she gave them, she was
as liberal with her purse and work as with her counsel. Mrs.
Raphael had great charm of manner, and was an extremely kind
and genial hostess. A loyal and devoted member of the Jewish
faith, her death leaves the community considerably the poorer
in benevolent effort and spiritual force.
WILLIAM GEORGE RAPHAEL, who died in 1912, was
married to Margherita, third eldest of the eight daughters of Sir
Julian Goldsmid. As eldest son of George Raphael, he had inherited
Castle Hill. He was a member of the firm of R. Raphael & Sons.
The Raphael firm is one of only two or three Stock Exchange
firms, allowed to carry on business outside the House. Besides
being dealers in the American market, in which capacity they
transact a large arbitrage business with New York, the Raphaels
are foreign bankers and bullion importers and refiners; they are
one of the oldest and the most respected firms in the City.
FREDERICK MELCHIOR RAPHAEL, second son of George
Raphael, was the ideal type of a soldier. A good shot and keen
sportsman, he was captain of the regimental cricket team, and
had qualified in signalling and military topography as well as
having acted Instructor of Musketry and Adjudant to his regi
ment. He was gazetted First Lieutenant to 1st Battation South
Lancashire Regiment in 1893, and in 1898 passed the necessary
qualifications, prior to receiving the rank of captain. He was doing
captain’s duty, when he was struck down at Spion Kop Jan. 24th
1900 — one of the most disastrous battles in the Boer war. Lieut.
Raphael was of exceptionally fine physique, noticeable on parade,
even amongst the tall officers of the South Lancs., for he stood
over six feet in height, and was proportionately broad in build,
and had strickingly handsome features. Although possesing a
high record for courage and daring, he was an exceptionally
gentle and sympathetic character. He was particularly popular
with his men, and in fact had the faculty of making himself
beloved by all, with whom he came in contact. He interested
himself greatly in the welfare and sports of his regiment and also