The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1883-11-16
Fixing His Day Of Death.
An OLD MANS PRoPHEsY WHICH WAS Flu
FILLED TO TIE LETTER.

AN OLD MANS PROPHbS1 WHlCh WAS fOh-
FILLED TO TIE LETTER.
A Lewiston. Me-, correspondent OF the
philadelphia Times telegraphs One OF the
strangest deaths of recent record occurred
Yesterday at Auburn. Lafayette Cook,
respected citizen, tifty-six years OF age,
quietly lay down and gave up the ghost in
fulfment OF prophesy made by him two
weeks ago that he should die on that day.
To-day his friends came to this city TO buy
n coffin in which to bury his remains. The
story of this singular death contains ele-
ments OF mystery that have awakened
feelings akin 10 superstition Ill the neigh
borhood where the deceased lived.
Cook was, as everybody says. pc
culiar man. lie lived quietly in little
farmhouse. He wasan expert sewing-ma-
chine operator, and had been employed on
big Job, making overals for an Auburn
firm. He always worked at home, and
lived happily with his wife and one or two
relatives. His religious views were pecu-
liar. For long time he had been talking
about his approaching death; but as he
continued in excellent health for man OF
his age, little attention was paid TO what
he said on this point. Two weeks ago he
first fixed the time OF his expected demise.
He seemed to grow more kind, gentle,
happv, and contented rs the time APP
preached. He kept at work until one day
last week he asked a neighbor to take to
town some work he had been doing.
"Shall bring down some more work
for you?' asked the man. -,
mo" Cook replied; 81 have done all
the work / ever shall do"
Until Sunday he busted himself about
4 s,.t 4 hn aClsoI m a.
meal he remarked sadly but cheerfully to
the family: 81 shall never eat another
breakfast with you"
He was in his usual good health, and in
the afternoon he went out for short walk
with his two grandchildren, amusing the
little ones pleasantly with cheerful talk.
Returning TO the house he calmly an
nounced that be should prepare himself Tor
his coffin and that he was ready to NEE
his Maker. He shaved himself carefully
and donned clean clothes throughout. lie
said he wanted no narrowing death-Ded
scene and 10 demonstration OF GRIEF. lie
: called for q spread, and lying carefully
upon lounge he drew comforter ABOUT
him and apparently settled himself lor 4
nap. His wife and family gathered about
him, but he made no formal farewell,
simply bidding them all goodbye. They
were impressed by his gentle earnestness,
d. but had no real thought OF his dying.
: Mr.. Cook lay with his cheek resting in
one hand and with the other arm by bis
: side. In that position he seemed to TALL
asleep. They watched over hun, as he
seemed to be quietly dreaming. They saw
no change. At tea-time they tried to wake
hun. He was breathing softly, but they
could not rouse him. Then they
7 became alarmed and used more Wig
orous efforts TO awaken the un
conscious man. Nothing would bring
sign Of returning consciousness. III
sank into a deeper stupor, his breatl
L coming shorter and slower. They worked
over him all night, and physician wa
called in, but it availed nothing. Earl!
4 Yesterday morning all signs of life disap
: peared. and the strange man was dead OF
e the day be appointed for his taking of
He made no movement after he first close
c his eyes. Those who were with him scou
{ the idea of his having taken drugs.