The Indianapolis journal., 1886-08-05
Effect Produced Among His Friends and
Political Adherents by the Event.
Action By the Authorities Historical and In
cidental Sketch of the Dead Statesmans
Career-His Home and Daily Habits.
HOW HE DIED.
The Last Hours of the Great Democratic
Leader.

before 9 o'clock. He had been enjoying his
usually good health up to last Saturday evening.
While sitting on the stoop of his residence after
sundown on that evening, he was taken with "a
slight chill, which settled on his stomach and
bowels. producing Inflammation, from which he
suffered all night. On Sunday he was slightly
better, and was able to ride out. On Sunday
evening he felt much worse, and continued to
grow weaker. But until last night there were
no fears of the consequences. This morning it
became apparent that the end was near DR..
Charles E. Simmonds and Miss Gould, a relative
of Mr. Tden. were at the bedside few mo-
ments before Mr.. Tilden died. He declined to
talk, but only moved his lips, failing any sound.
He passed away quietly and peacefully. His
death occurred in the south chamber Of the
mansion, overlooking the Hudson
The last hours of the deceased statesman were
peaceful and painless For several months past
Mr.. Tilden has enjoyed unusual health for him.
He had gained in flesh thirty-five pounds in six
months. He used his yacht Viking frequently,
and took long carriage rides daily His face
was familiar to the people of Yonkers. and he
frequently drove through the streets of the city.
The last time he went out was on Sunday, when
he was driven out by his faithful coachman,
Dennis O'Hara attended by his valet,
Louis Johansen. both of whom have
been in his service for years. Saturday he was
taken with slight chill while sitting on porch
overlooking the Hudson river, and was removed
to his room, where he was attended by bis friend
and physician Dr. Charles E. Simmonds, Of New
York, who is stopping with his family on the
neighboring estate of Blink Broune The cold
settled in Mr.. Tllden's bowels and stomach, caus-
ing vomiting and purging. With medical aid he
felt much better Sunday and went out in his
carriage. Monday and yesterday he also felt
much better. Last night Mr.. Tilden was taken
again with the same symptoms while in the
parlor, and was supported to his room by his
valet and private secretary. George E. Smith.
On reaching his the ex Governor expert
enced considerable trouble in breathing This
alarmed his friends and Dr. Simmonds
called The patient was suffering from nausea
and diarrhea, and was in great distress. The
difficulty in breathing ceased after while, and
he was placed In bed. Later he was assisted to
an easy chair. Dr. Simmonds remained with
him all night Early this morning Mr. Tilden
began to grow worse and was again placed
in bed. The generation of gases in his
stomach and bowels distended them and
caused failure in the action of the
heart A second attack of the difficulty in
breathing recurred and DR.. Swift. of Yonkers,
was called in consultation at A. NJ He arrived
at Greystone at o'clock, but Mr.. Tilden was
then beyond the reach of all medical skill. The
two physicians consulted together in whispers,
but nothing could be done. No words were
uttered by Mr.. Tilden after DIR. Swift's arrival.
He remained conscious to the last. The labored
breathing grew fainter and more feeble, and at
8:45 A. NJ the face of the dying man began
to change. The ashen palior OF death sowly
crept over his countenance. His eyes
slowly closed and his muscles relaxed, and at
$50 A. NJ. he breathed his last. At the time of
his death the only persons in the room were Drs.
Simmonds and Swift, Miss Anna Could rela-
tive, the amanuenss of the dead statesman, and
the faithful valet, Louis Johansen. The room
in which Mr.. Tilden died was his sleepingcham-
Der, and is on the second floor of the south side
of the residence, over the parlor. In the room
is bay-window, which oyerlooks the river on
the southwest
The members of the family who were out of
town were at once notified by telegraph of the
sad event Mira. Pelton, sister of the deceased,
is at Narragansett Pier. The widows of his
brothers, Henry and Moses, are at the Tilden
homestead at New Lebanon, N. Y, with Col.
Samuel j. Tilden, jr. Miss Susie Tilden,
niece, is also at New Lebanon. Miss Ruby
Tildep, her sister, is visiting friends in
the upper part of the State. Andrew
H. Green, ex-comptroller of New York City,
protege of Mr.. Tilden, and who was educated in
his Office, was also notified by telegraph. The
absent members of the family are expected to
return tonight.
The Statesman of this afternoon contains the
following authentic statement of Mr.. Tilden's
last hours: DIR. Simmonds, his attending physi-
clan, who lives next to Greystone. says that Mr..
Tilden had been in unusually good health during
the last four months. He had taken great pleas
ure in his home. his new greenhouses, his choice
live stock, his yacht Viking and in reading and
entertaining his friends. He was attacked by
nausea and diarrhea on Sunday afternoon, but
they yielded to mild treatment, so that on Mon
day he was able to take ride. He continued in
his usual health until Tuesday afternoon when
the nausea and diarrhea returned. He. however
passed some time in his library in the evening
as was his custom On being assisted to his
bedroom by DIR. Simmonds, the first sign Of
approaching failure of the heart was noticed by
his difficult breathing while ascending the stairs
He was put TO bed and constantly watched and
nourished through the night but his strength
gradually failed At about 5 o'clock this morn
ing DR.. Samuel Swift was summoned by Dr.
Simmonds for consultation. On DIR. Swifts ar
rival no found Mr.. Tilden seated in his easy