Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1886-08-11
SAMUEL j. TILDEN.


at $50 last Wednesday at his country resi-
dence, Greystone, near Yonkers, N. Y. His
death, though possible at any time on ac-
count of his age, was entirely unexpected.
He had been suffering for few hours from
an attack of nausea and diarrhea, and was
attended by Drs. Simmons and Swift. From
this he partially recovered, but following
shortly after came sudden stoppage of the
hearts action, and death ensued. The last
hours of the deceased statesman were peace
full and painless.
For several months past Mr.. Tilden had
enjoyed unusual health for him. He had
gained in flesh 35 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, attend
ed by his valet, Louis Johanesen, 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 his friend and
physician, DR.. Charles E. Simmons, of New
York, who is stopping with his family on
the neighboring estate of Blink Boune. The
cold settled in his bowels and stomach,
causing vomiting and purging. With medi-
cal aid he felt much better on Sunday and
went out in his carriage. Monday and Tues
day he also felt much better.
Tuesday night Mr.. Tilden was taken again
with the same symptoms while in the par
Tor, aud was supported to his room by his
valet and private secretary, George E.
Smith. On reaching his room the ex-Gov-
ernor experienced considerable trouble in
breathing. This alarmed his friends and
DR.. Simmons was called. The patient was
suffering from nausea and diarrhea, and was
in great distress. The difficulty in breath
ing ceased after a while, and he was placed
in bed. Later he was assisted to an easy
chair. DR.. Simmons remained with him all
night
Early Wednesday 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 breath
ing REQUIRED, and DR.. Swift, of Yonifers,
was called in consultation at 7 A. M. 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 DR.. Swift's arrival He re-
manned conscious to the last. The labored
breaths grew fainter and mora feeble, and at
8.45 A. M. the face of the dying man began
to change. The ashen pallor of death slow
1y crept over his continuance. 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 ORA. Simmons and Swift Miss
Anna Gould, a relative, the amanuensls oil
the dead statesman, and the faithful valet,
Louis Johanesen.
The room in which Mr.. Tilden died was
his sleeping chamber, and is On the second
floor, on the south side of the residence, over
the parlor. In the room is bay window,
which overlooks the Hudson river Oh the
southwest.
THE FUNERAL.
Saturday, the 18th, was appointed for the
funeral. The body Of the dead statesman
had been embalmed and was lying in its
funeral robes in the Greystone mansion
awaiting burial. All the public buildings
were closed and emblems of mourning dis
played on every house. Early trains brought
large crowds to attend the obsequies, and the
roads leading to the late home Of the de-
ceased were thronged with the mourners,
among whom were many notable citizens.
At O'Clock the body was placed in the
casket, after which the mansion was opened.
The remains were placed On catafalque
in the centre of the blue room on the first
story. The drapery Of the catafalque was
black Grape and cashmere, and the entire
room was draped in sable. By this time
the friends of the family had begun to
arrive.
When the people generally were admitted
to view the remains, they entered the east
door, passed through the first parlor on the
right to the blue room, and thence through
the hall to the west or rear entrance. The
body was seen to be attired in full-dress
black suit, with white pink in the button
hole. A white tie surrounded standing
collar. The right hand was crossed over
the breast and the head lay partly on the
right side. The features, while showing
some emaciation, did not suggest that the
dead man had undergone any extended or
considerable physical suff ering.
The pallbearers were Samuel }. Randall,
John Bigelow, Daniel Manning, Smith NJ.
Weed, Charles A. Dana, DR.. George L..
Miller, William Allen Butler, Daniel Ma
gone, J. B. Trevar, DR.. Chas. e. Simmons,
and Aaron j. Vanderpool. The first formal
delegation to arrive was from the Jeffer-
sonian Club, of Newark, N. ]. Soon after
them Mayor Bell, of Yonkers, and the
Ouhois AluoiiASA pdsncu 1ulOuSui anu
then the ten servants-fve men and five wo-
men-paid their last tribute. The women,
without exception, shed tears as they gazed
for the last time upon their late master.
AT GAO O'Clock, President Cleveland
reached the mansion. He was accompanied
by Secretary Of War Endcott and Private
Secretary Lamont. Mr.. Geo. Smith, Mr.
Tilden's private secretary, took the presl-
dents arm and found place in the line OF
citizens. Secretary Endicott followed with
Mr.. Lamont. On reaching the head of the
bier, the President stopped moment or
two and took an earnest look at the face of
the dead, passed on to the hall and was es-
corted to where the family were assembled
upstairs. So also were Mr.. Endicott and
Mr.. Lamont. Ten minutes later the pail
bearers descended the broad stairway in the
center of the house that led directly to the
room where the remains were. Secretary
Manning, leaning on the arm of Mr.. John
Bigelow, led the pail bearers. Mr.. Manning
seemed rather feeble, his steps being by no
means sure. AS he came down the stairs
Mr.. Bigelow's assistance was by no means
unnecessary.
M he l.A@