Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1885-11-26
He Dies Very Suddenly at His
Home in indianapolis.
Paralysis Of the Brain the
Cause of His Death.
The End OF Busy and Eventful
Life Peacefully and Quietly
Closed.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind, Nov. 25.
Vice President Hendricks died very sud
denly today. He came home from Chicago
early in the week and complained of feeling
unwell, but nothing serious was thought of it
at the time. Last night he and Mrs Hendricks
attended reception at the g resi-
dence cf Hon. John J. Cooper and after
he came home he complained of pains in the
side and stomach. This morning he was no
better and his family physician, DIR. Thomp-
son, was called in. He gave an emetc and
later in the day an injection. Mr.. Hendricks
stayed in his room all day and most of the time
in bed. although he sat up frequently.
He received no callers, but about o'clock
Mrs. Hendricks left his bedside to see caller
for few minutes in the parlor. She was de-
layed longer than was expected, and when
she returned to the room she found Hendricks
was dead. The end of busy and event
full life had come peacefully and quietly.
On his face there no indication of pain
or suffering, and his eyes were only half
closed, as if in gentle sleep. He died of
paralysis of the brain.
ANOTHER ACCOUNT.
Hon. Thomas A. Hendricks, Vice Presi-
dent of the United States, died very suddenly
at his residence in this city, at 4.45 o'clock
this evening, under circumstances that were
particularly distressing to the family, in so
much that they had not anticipated fatal
termination of his brief illness and nobody
was with him when the end came. He re-
turned from Chicago last Saturday and since
then has been complaining somewhat of a
pain in his head and breast but nothing seri-
Gus was thought of it. Last night he and
Mrs. Hendricks attended reception at the
residence OF Hon. Jno. Cooper, state treas
urer, returning home in their carriage about
midnight Mr.. Hendricks had taken off the
heavy clothing which he usually wore and
put on dress suit of lighter material, and
before he got home he complained of chilli
ness and certain degree of exhaustion, but
attributed it to malarial influences. He sat
by the fire an hour or more before retiring,
but declined to send for physician although
about 3 o'clock this morning, when he arose,
dressed himself and ate quite hearty break
fast, saying that he felt much better and
would attend to considerable delayed busi-
ness during the day. He and Mrs. Hendricks
walked out for nearly half an hour and he
had apparently regained his physical vigor
and cheerfulness.
| An hour later he, however, began to be
troubled with pains in the region of his
stomach and Mrs. Hendricks sent for the
family physician, DR.. w. c. Thompson. a
life long and confidential friend of the Vice
President. As the pains in the stomach con-
tinued to increase he was given an emetic and
afterwards an injection and relief came in
the natural way. He arose from the bed, on
which he had lain, only few moments and
read the morning papers, talking cheerfully
with his wife and an old house servant. just
before noon he had a relapse, however, and
the physician was again summoned and ad-
ministered the usual remedies, besides bleed
ing the patient and Mr.. Hendricks again ex-
pressed himself as being greatly relieved.
He remained in his room all the afternoon,
occasionally rising from his bed to which he
was compelled to return by the recurrence of
abdominal pains.
| To all callers who called and they were
numerous, he sent word that he was indis
posed, but would see them tomorrow. About
| 4 80 Mrs Hendricks, who had been at his
bedside ali day, went down into the parlor to
see caller who had come to consult with
! her concerning the affairs of reformatory
institution, of which she was one of the man
ayers, and she remained about 20 minutes.
Tom, a colored servant. and Harry Morgan,
Mr. Hendricks nephew and page In Washing
ton. remained with him. The servant
went out and Mr.. Morgan stayed. Mr.. Hem
bricks tossed uneasily in his bed and CON-
planned of great pain, but suddenly it seemed
to cease and he said to his nephew, 81 am
free at last, send for Eliza" meaning his
wife. These were his last words, tor the
Young man not realizing the urgency of the
message did not deliver it at once. just be-
fore o'clock Mrs. Hendricks came into the
room and found that her husband was dead.
Mrs. Hendricks shrieked and ran down stairs.
A servant was despatched to the residence of
DR.. Thompson adjoining; he came immedi-
ately, but BY the time he had reached the
bedside the limbs of the distinguished dead
man were becoming cold and rigid, and ~
Mrs. Hendrick's pathetic appeal, "Oh doctor,
can't you do somethings" he was obliged to