The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1878-04-23
Death OF VIM. Orton.

NEW YORK, April Zz!-hon. MllIam
0rton, President OF the Western Union
Telegraph Company, died this morning
The immediate cause Of the death OF Mr..
Or,on was apoplexy, with which he was
stricken at II o'clock last night.
Hon. VIM. ortop, President Of the
Western Union Telegraph Company, who
died suddenly this morning, was born In
Cubs, Allegheny county, New York, June
IA, 1926, and at the time Of his death was
still comparatively young man. From
ls45 10 the beginning Of the late rebel
lion Mr.. 0rton was connected with the
book trade, and was member Of q
prominent firm in New York. In 1862
he was appointed Collector Of Internal
Revenue for the Sixth District Of this
city, and in 1865 was appointed Commits
sioner OF Internal Revenue at Washing.
ton. This office he conducted with signal
ability, and on retiring received from
Mr.. McCulloch, Secretary OF the Treas.
ury, a grateful acknowledgment Of his
distinguished services. The occasion Of
this retirement from Government office
was the rendered position Of President Of
the United States Telegraph Company by
the unanimous vote Of Its Board Of Direc.
tors. Mr.. 0rton remained at the head OF
this company until lis consolidation with
the Western Union Company, union
which be himself was mainly instrument
tai In accomplishing, when he was chosen
Vice President Of the company. Thus
united, two years later, in 1867, Mr.. Or.
ton was unanimously elected President OF
the Western Union Company, an Office |
which he continued 10 hold until his
death 10 day.
The career Of Mr.. orton since becom-
ing the head Of this vast combination Of
telegraph interests is we'll known 10 the
public. He was matter OF all It's branches
and controlled them with energy and
ability. The consolidation Of the At
lantic 4 Pacific Co. with the Western
Union Co., last year, was chiefly due to
Mr.. Orton's efforts. In December, 1867,
he established the Journal Of 7ele0ruphy.
He Stunned connection with private in
which were likely 10 interfere
with his devotion to special duties, but
he served as one Of ths commission TO SO.
lect aite for the new posiotiice and was
a member Of the commission TO assess
iamsges to property by the elevated rail
road. lie had long been member oil the
Union League Club.
Mr.. ofton leaves a wife and eight chill
iren, 10 whom he was deyoitdly attached.
not remarkably wealthy he had
considerable. During the
last few years he had heavily insured his
life. The total amount OF policies upon
bis life in various companies is repuled
10 be from fifty to sixty thousand dol
lars.
THE lvESINo POST.
Mr.. otton appeared in good health
Yesterday and in the morning attended
The Church Of the Holy Apostle. lie was
yestryman Of this church and had taken
much interest In ia atfairs. A collection
was taken up after the services yester
DAY and Mr.. 0rton examined the receipts
and expressed pleasure that so large an
amount had been obtained. On return.
ing TO his liUme he ate dinner with a good
appetite aud then went to drive In the
Central Park. After supper he com
planned OF feeling tired and went 10 bed
at an early hour. lie awOke soon after
feeling sick, and vomited. ALL O'Clock
he was seiz,d with lit ui apoplexy and
bis right side Appeared 10 he completely
DR.. Banning was called in
and bleeding was tried without effect.
Mr.. Orton lay in comatose condition
from the time Of the attack till his death.
He breathed heavily, and apparently died
from strangulation or paralysis OF the
the nerves OF respiration.
DR.. Noryin Green, Vice President Of
the Western Union Telegraph Company,
was called TO Mr.. 0rion's bedside at half
past 9 o'clock this morning and remain.
ed till after his death.
During the last year Mr.. 0rton was
thought 10 be in unusually good health.
He had been frequently warned, howey-
er, that he was in danger Of overwork-
ing himself. Atthe meeting Of his Com.
paDy last Thursday he complained Of "a.
iigue, and frequently put his hand to bis
head, as was his habit when tired. On
he was al the Office ill Q o'clock
in the evening, and seemed to be not only
we'll but in especially good spirits.