National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-12-21
SUDDRN DEATH
Mr.. JEFFERSON RIVES DIES OF CON-
GESTION OF THE BRAIN.

Mr.. JEFFERSON RIVES DIES OF CON-
GESTION OF THE BRAIN.
One Of the most sudden and peculiar deaths
which the press Of this city has been called upon
to record occurred yesterday afternoon. Mr..
Jefferson RiYes, the youngest son Of the late
John y. Rives, and one CT the firm Of Rives *
Bailey, died suddenly at his residence on Ostreet,
in this city, IN the year Of his age.
Within two hours of his demise he was on the
street, apparently in the full flush Of q manhood
which all thought could and would make vigor-
GUS fight against any disease to which humanity
is heir: but It was otherwise ordered, and the sad
result was soon announced. Mr.. RiYes was mar
ried about two years ago to the daughter Of Sen
atOr Vickers, of Maryland, who survives him.
The evening previous he was noticed on the
streets, moving around with that actiyeness
which characterized his life, hating to exchange
words with friend or give happy Salqtation 70
another EASING. Yesterday morning he LETT home
apparently in the best Of health and spirits, and
alter short ride, the weather being unpropitiOus,
and, as was his custom, INDUCED In q cold bath.
After leaving It and redressing he felt no serious
results, but greatly inyigoTated, and repaired
drug store, on Pennsylvania avenue, between
FOuT.and-a-han and Sixth streets, where he met
q number OF friends, AID in conversation was the
liYellest and meTTiest ofthe party. He remained
in their company until amer noon, when he left
and went back to HIS residence. About o'clock
an intimate friend called upon him, and they en-
tered into conversation concerning some business
matters. He then complained Of q slight pain in
the stomach, but attached no importance to the
disorder, and lauRhingly remarked that 1t would
soon pass away. While the interview was In pre-
Eress, DR.. Nathan Lincoln, attending Mr.. Rives'
wife, who had been confined to her bed with ILL
ness for some time past, called on professional
visit.
After he had passed to the sick chamber the
servant came to the door and, informing him
that the physician was in the house, inquired If
Mr.. RiTes would like to see him before his de-
parture. He again laughed at the idea Of troub-
ling the doctor for so trivial q cause, and replied
that 1t was unnecessary. His friend counseled
the consulting Of the physician, for, although
the pain was slight, still it would be decidedly
leTed of it entirely. Thanking him for the In
terest displayed in his BEHALF he still declined to
DR.. Lincoln, who shortly after left the house.
That refusal probably caused him his life; for
had he attached more seriousness to the diSor-
dered stomach, seen the physician, as his SER
want and friend endeavored TO have him do In
all likelihood he would have been living to-day
After the departure OF DIR. Lincoln the converse
ton was resumed, but the gentleman noticed
that occasional spells Of droWsiness would come
over Mr. RiYes, the eyelids droop and fall, and he
would appear for a few seconds as If dosing.
sum he would arouse from them; and imme-
diately seem as bright and interested in the sub
ject being discussed as he was previously.
Shortly after two o'clock the gentleman de-
parted for his home, where he remained only an
hour and q half, when he was summoned TO MT.
Rives' residence by message that the latter
was seriously i'll.
1t seems that shortly after his departure the
symptoms Of trihing nature, that Mr.. Rives had
laughed at, began developing in a more serious
form, and gave evidences OF an attack Of eOnges-
ton of the brain. Continuing to grow worse,
servants were dispatched for physicians and some
Of the relatives Of the family TOR assistance. Drs
Walsh and Briscoe responded promptly to the
call, but on their arrival found that 1t was too
late, and when DR.. Lincoln arrived Mr.. RiVes
WOs unconscious, and remained in that state until
near o'clock, when he died. The shock was ter
rible to those gathered about his bedside it being
so entirely unexpected. The announcement Of
his death quickly spread, but the time being so
short since he had been seen on the street appar-
emily in the full Vigor of manhood, no credenee
was given the report and many were called to
task for such an ungenerOus circulation. But
finally the rumor was confirmed so undeniably
by the visitors returning from his late residence
that further doubt could not be entertained.
During the evening and up to late hour last
night many persons called 10 look upon him, now
cold in death, who was their steadfast friend In
life.
the arrangements for the funeral have been
placed in the charge OF Mr.. Anthony Buckley,
and when completed will be announced to the
public. The deceased was true and ardent
Jason, strongly attaahed to the Order and his
fellOw-membe rs, particularly those Of his Oom-
mandeTy. He belonged to Federal Lodge, No. !,
Eureka Chapter, No. 4, and Washington Com
mandery, No. 2, Of which he was the treasurer.
The strong love exhibited for his fraters was sim
cerely TeciprOcated by them, and the sorrow they
feel at his sudden demise words are inadequate
to express. But this sadness at his strange and
but throughout the entire city, for wherever he
was known he was greatly beloved for those ex-
emplaTy qualities Of true manhood, generosity,
charity and kindness of heart