It was with surprise that citizens heard of the death of George F. ATHERTON's serious illness this morn. and they were far more surprised when it became known that Mr. Atherton passed away about 2 o'clock this afternoon. It was only the day before yesterday that he was walking about the street looking quite well and as happy as usual. Yesterday morn., however, he arose feeling rather unwell and as eve. approached he became completely prostrated. Medical aid was at once summoned and everything possible was done to revive him, but he gradually grew weaker until this afternoon when death claimed himn as his own. Mr. Atherton has been suffering for the past 3 or 4 years from diabetes, but heart failure resulting from this disease was the direct cause of death. Deceased was well known in York and Carleton counties having done an extensive business in both counties. He carried on a large grocery business in the city on Queen Street, just opposite the Peoples Bank of for many years. About 12 years ago he removed to Woodstock and carried on a successful business along this line until about three years ago when failing health forced him to retire from active business life. He then returned to Fredericton where he has been living quietly ever since. He was stout and robust and always wore a happy expression. He entered the Free Baptist Church in this city about 50 years ago, since which time he has been an active member of that denomination and held the ofice of senior deacon. He was also president of the Y.M.C.A. in this city some years ago. Mr. Atherton was a native of York Co., being born in Queensbury 59 years ago and for 50 years, with the exception of nine years he was absent in Woodstock, has been a resident of Fredericton. A wife, two daughters and one son survive him. His son, Edward R. ATHERTON is now a resident of British Columbia. Dr. ATHERTON, formerly of this city and now practicing in Toronto, Ontario, is a brother of the deceased. His surviving sisters are Mrs. Thomas W. SMITH, formerly of this city, but now living in California and Mrs. George CLIFF of this city. An aged mother also survives him. The funeral will take place at 2:30 Friday afternoon from his late residence on York Street to the old burying ground on Brunswick Street.