St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1888-05-12
IT CAME like SLEEP,
Testimony Of Those Who Saw
Minnesota's Pioneer
When He Died.
Death Came to Commodore
Kittson Unannouneed, and
Was Probably Painless.
The Remains Of the Dead Man
Brought to His Late
Home,
From Whence They Will Be
Buried Privately Next
Monday Afternoon.

whole community, which, to man, al
most, had personal acquaintance with
him who had done so much toward up
building the city and state. On every
hand were heard expressions of sincere
sorrow. Popular sentiment voiced full
appreciation of the loss sustained by the
Northwest, and especially the Twin
Cities of Minnesota, where his interests
were chiefly concentrated, in the re-
moval of so prominent a figure. The
meager particulars first obtainable as to
the manner of Mr.. Kittson's death were
supplemented yesterday by the state
ments of eye-witnesses of the event
who arrived on the early morning train
over the Omaha. Among the number
was w. NJ. Wilson, of the Otis Iron &
Steel company, Chicago. To reporter
for the GLOBE he detailed the circum-
stances attending the dissolution.
''Alr. Kittson occupied the section OPP
posite mine in the sleeping car" Mr..
Wilson said, 'and to all appearances
was in full health. Not knowing who
he was 1 paid very little attention to
him and probably would not have no
ticed him at all had he not been my
nearest neighbor in the car. At pre-
cisely 6:55 O'Clock l went into the dining
car to get supper, and Mr.. KittSon fol-
lowed a few minutes later. We sat at
adjoining tables facing each other. AS
my supper was being served he ordered
his. The waiter turned to go into the
kitchen, and Mr.. Kittson, without so
much even as gasp, sunk back against
the window.
FEARFUL OF THE WORST,
[ rushed to his side and took hold of his
wrist. Death must have come to him
almost inStantaneously, as | could not
distinguish when his pulse left him.
The several other passengers in the din
ing car and the train officials quickly
gathered about the body, which was
tenderly raised and placed in a reclin-
ing position, with a pillow under the
head. Up to this time no one seemed to
be able to identify the dead. Some one
suggested it was Commodore Kittson.
l searched the pockets, and in one found
an envelope bearing Mr.. Kittson's adj
dress. This dispelled all doubt, and in
less time than it takes me to tell it the
news spread through the train. Many
of the passengers knew Mr.. KittSon
personally, and his shockingly sudden
demise was a severe blow to them,
especially as but few moments prior
to the tragic occurrence Mr.. KittsOn
was apparently in perfect health. st
has been my painful experience" Mr..
Wilson continued, ito see many men
die, but | never saw more peaceful
death than that of the aged commodore.
There was not gasp, or even sigh.
L could not discern the twitching of a
muscle or the usual death rattle. His
life passed away as in a breath, and
without any forewarning. That so
prominent man, or any one, should
die away from home and friends is pain
full, but the general atmosphere of this
event was of uneXpreSSible sadness,
and | trust that | shall never witness
another of similar character"
DR.. SD. Flagg, who was Mr.. Kittson's
physician, expressed the opinion that
death came without pain and without
any sign that could have Indicated to
Commodore Kittson his real condition.
The machinery had simply stopped
without sign of warning. A physician
be on the train and was called at once,
was of like opinion. There was no
trace of pain, and it was the doctor S
belief that Mr.. KittsOn was not con-
scious of the approach of death, but
that it came instantly, and with no
symptom to herald it.
THE REMAINS BROUGHT HOME.
The remains were partially embalmed
and placed in caSket at GAINESVILLE,
and in few hours were placed upon
the limited of the Omaha road to be
brought home. Norman Kittson and
Lewis Baker, ST., met the train at
Menominee junction, and returned
with it.
A considerable crowd of friends and
relatives gathered on the union depot
platforms yesterday afternoon to honor
the arrival of the dead. The train ar.
rived at 1:50. The venerable Gen
Sibley was among the first to look upon
the coffin which held the remains of his
lifelong friend. Without any unneces-
sary delay the casket was removed to
the hearSe waiting at the depot entrance.
Among those who stood with bowed
h oadS as it was borne along were men
from all ranks in life, and many who
have owed their start on the road to
prosperity to his generous assistance.
The remains were taken to the family
residence on Summit avenue, followed
by carriages. In the first two were the
near relatives of Mr.. KittsOn, DR.. Flagg,
Rev. DIR. Pope, Col. H. P. Rugg and
Lewis Baker. ST.. Gen. Sibley rode
alone in his private carriage. The pro-
cession moved slowly up the hill an
the people who lined the streets on
either side, uncovered as it passed.
THE FUNERAL.
In accordance with the well-known
ideas of Commodore Kittson the funeral
will be private and transformations. 1t
will be held from his late residence, on
Summit avenue, Monday at O'Clock.
OuautralI,S OH Rand
CIR + No