The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1886-11-25
CHESTER A. ARTHUR DEAD.

The Ex-President Dies Unexpectedly in New
Tork-Hss Last Rours-Brief Biography
ioal Sketch.
NEW YORK, Nov. 1S-Ex- President Ar.
thur died at five O'Clock this morning. He
began to sink rapidly shortly after mid
night, and by three O'Clock it was known
that death was approaching. He passed
away without apparent pain.
New YORK, Nov. 1S-Ths news Of the
death Of ex-President Arthur came IS a
great surprise notwithstanding the
alarming rumors as to his health during
the summer months. A supposed i'm
provement in his condition was noted
during his stay in New London, Conn.,.
and apparent confidence was expressed
By his friends, who remained close
to him, under the impression that his health
had been radically improved. giving him
promise of renewed lease of life.
As soon as the news of Arthurs death
was made public, many flags on the public
and private buildings were placed at half
mast Mr.. Arthur had lived at No. 12S
Lexington avenue for twenty years or more.
A stroke Of cerebral apoplexy, sudden, out
not unexpected by attending physicians,
terminated his life. .-..l
HIS LAST HOURS.
New YORK, Nov. 1S.-Mr. Arthur's
daughter, sister, former law partner, Sher-
man W. kneyals, and closest friend, Surro-
gate Rollins, were at his bedside. All re-
ports to the contrary, Mr.. Arthur's health
was not improved during his stay in New
London six weeks ago, and at his return
on October he was no better
ho,, H. IaES fhn nifr Int
with the beginning OF the present week
marked change for better setin. Tuesday
the ex-President felt better ana stronger
than at any time stree he was taken sick, and
commented hopefully upon the fact 1t was
after midnight when the attendant left him
alone in the bed room and nothing was heard
of him during the early morning hours. He
was not disturbed until the attendant en-
tered the room at eight o'clock yesterday
morning. He found Mr.. Arthur lying on
bis side and breathing heavily. He could
not rouse him. The family answered the
summons, but failed to elicit any
signs of consciousness or recogni-
ton from the eX-PTesident In alarm
they summoned his physician, DR.. George
A. Peters who has been in attendance
upon Mr. Arthur throughout his illness, and
who responded promptly, and saw that he
was suffering from a stroke of cerebral
apoplexy; a small blood vessel in the brain
had burst and paralysis ;of the right side
had ensued. From the moment the discov-
cry was made all hope was known to DO IN
vain, but no efforts we're spared to bring
the patient back to consciousness.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
Chester Alan Arthur was born in Fair
field, Franklin County, VT, October 3, 1880,
and was the eldest son of Rev. DR.. William
Arthur, a Baptist clergyman. His father
was an Irishman by birth, who emigrated
to the United States at the age of eighteen.
The subject of this sketch was educated at
Union College and graduated high in the
class of 1S4S, and then commenced the
study of law. During his college course he
partly supported himself by teaching. In
1853 he located in New York City. In 1859
he was married to Ellen Lewis HerndOn, of
Fredericksburg, Va, daughter of the heroic
Captain Herndon, who so brayely went
down with his ship, the Central America,
in 1851. Mr.. Arthur distinguished himself
as young lawyer as tue cham
pion of the legal rights of cOlOred
people His wife died in 1880 just before
he entered upon the Vice-Presidency. As
Quartermaster General of New York he did
good service during the war in equipping and
troops. In 1868 General Arthur
returned to the practice of law and built
Mp large business in collecting
claims against the Government He was
much interested in local politics and ac-
quired much skill as an organizer. In 1871
he was appointed By President Grant Col
leetor of Customs at New York and was re-
appointed in 1875. In 1877 he
was suspended by President Hayes
for violating the order prohibiting
Federal officers taking an active part
in politics, he being at the time chairman
Of the New York Republican State Central
Committee. He then resumed the practice
Of his profession. In 1850 he was NOM
mated by the Chicago Convention for Vice
President on the ticket headed by General
Garfield and worked very earnestly in New
York for the success of the ticket.
The death of President Garfield
at the hands of the assassin
Guiteau brought him to the succession as
President, and he took the oath of Office at
his house in New York City and was more
formally sworn in at Washington on Sep
TENDER %, 1881. He filled the Office Of
President of the United States until sue
ceeded by Mr. Cleveland, March 4, 1856.