Dr. Goss, the then Bishop of Liverpool, with a kindness and consideration which did him great honour, recognizing what sometimes seems to be overlooked, that those who devote their lives to preparing priests for the Mission, are labouring for it, as much as those actually engaged in Missionary work, and to show his respect and esteem, as he expressed it, for the priests of Lisbon College working in his Diocese, appointed Dr. Ilsley to the Mission of Scorton, where for some time he did Missionary duty. He soon however began to be afflicted with an almost total loss of sight, and at length worn out in body and mind he died on the 30th of August, 1868.
He was born at Maple Durham, on December 20, 1805, and he entered the College on June 29, 1819. In 1829, he was admitted amongst the Superiors, and appointed Procurator, and on the death of Father Le Clerc became Vice-President, an office which he held until the death of Dr. Winstanley in 1852, whom he succeeded as President in 1854. He was a man of remarkable ability and activity and his devoted labours during many years in favour of the children of the poor, which have already been detailed, are evidence of the eminent charity which actuated him. It was in consideration of his labours in the cause of the free education of the poor that Queen Donna Maria Secunda conferred upon him the honour of Knight Commander of the Order of Christ, and on one occasion at least she was pleased to manifest her esteem, and to promote the good work in which he was engaged, by graciously favouring with her presence a grand concert which had been organized for this purpose.
Another proof of the very high reputation which he enjoyed was his selection by Stephanie, the Queen Consort of Don Pedro V, to be her Confessor, an office which he continued to hold until his departure for England. He taught successively for many years the Philosophical and Theological Classes, and his chief efforts as President were directed towards raising the standard of
