Martinsburg herald. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1881-1920, 1885-11-28
VICEPRES. HENDRICKS DEAD.

INDIANAPOLIS, November 25.-
Hon. Thomas A. Hendricks, Vice
President of the United States, died
very suddenly at his residence in this
city at 4: 40 o'clock this evening, I'M
der circumstances that were partic-
ularly distressing to his family and
friends, insomuch as they had not
anticipated a fatal termination of
his brief illness, and nobody was
with him when Ibe end came. He
returned from Chicago on Saturday,
and since then had been complain.
ing somewhat of pain in his head
and breast, but nothing serious was
thought of it. Last night he and
Mrs. Hendricks attended reception
given at the residence of Hon. John
Cooper, treasurer of the State, re-
turning home in their carriage about
midnight. Mr.. Hendricks had taken
off the heavy clothing which he usu-
ally Wore out and put on a dress.
suit of lighter material, and before
he got home he complained of chilli
ness and a certain degree ofexhaus-
ton, but attributed it to malarial in
1uences. He sat by the fire for an
hour or more before retiring, but de-
clined to send for a physician, al.
though urged to do so. He slept
restlessly until eight O'Clock this
morning, when he arose, dressed
himself and ate quite a hearty break
fast, saying that he felt much better,
and would attend to considerable
delayed business during the day.
He and Mrs. Hendricks walked out
for nearly half an hour, and he had
apparently regained his physical
vigor and cheerfnlness. An hour
later, however, he began to be troub-
led with pains in the region of his
stomach, and Mrs. Hendricks sent
for the family physician, DR.. w. c..
Thompson, a lifelong and confiden-
tial friend ofthe Vice President. AS
the pains in the stomach continued
to increase he was given an emetic
and afterwards an injection, and re.
lief came in the natural way. He
arose from his bed, in which he bad
lain only a few minutes, and read
the morning papers, talking cheer
fully with his wife and old house
servant. Just before noon he had a
relapse, however, and the physician
vas again summoned and admins
cred the usual remedies, besides
bleeding the patient, and Mr.. Hen
tricks again expressed himself be-
ng greatly relieved. He remained
Il his room all the afternoon, occas-
onally rising from his bed, to which
le Was compelled to return by the
recurrence of the abdominal pains.
10 all callers who came-and they
we're numerous-he sent word that
he was indisposed, but would be
glad to see them about 1870 o'clock.
Mrs. Hendricks, who had been at
his bedside all day, went down into
the parlor to see a caller who had
come to consult with her regarding
the affairs of a reformatory institu-
ton of which she was one of the
managers, and she remained with
him about twenty minutes. Tom. a
colored servant, and Harry Morgan,
Mr.. Hendricks nephew and page in
Washington, remained with him.
The servant went out, and Mr.. Nor
gan stayed. Mr.. Hendricks tossed
uneasily in his bed, and complained
of great pain; but suddenly it SEEM
ed to cease, aud he said to his neph-
ew:
az am free at last send for Eliza"
(meaning his wife). And these
were his last words, for the young
man not realizing the urgency of
the message, did not deliver it at
nee. Just before five o'clock Mrs.
Hendricks came into the room and
found that her husband was dead.