The Portland daily press., 1890-03-07
fEsTIWTy TURNED TO MOURNING.
Mr.. George n. Watkins Found Dead
In His Bed,
At the Hour when He Was To Have
Been Married.
The Deceased a Member Of the Firm
Of 3. Thurston 4 Co.

A very sudden, and, under the circumstan-
ces very sad death, was made known last
evening. Mr.. George 81. Watkins, of the
wellknown publishing firm of Brown
Thurston & Co.. of this city, was found dead
in his bed In his room at the United States
Hotel From different sources of informa-
tion it was learned that Mr.. Watkins had
been working very hard for some time past,
frequently going down to his Office as early
as o'clock in the morning and leaving it for
little more time than was necessary to pro.
cure his meals. He was of a small and ex-
tremely slight physique, and had been
troubled for some time past with a cough,
but did not feel troubled on that account as
so he stated to his partner Mr.. Thurston-
he had been assured by his physician that
his lungs were perfectly sound. He had
roomed for long time at DR.. Whidden's
residence on Congress street, but, as he con-
templaled marriage and was fitting up the
house No. II Gray street for his future home,
he went to the United States and took
room about fortnight ago. He was seen
to be spoken to by DR.. Whidden on Wednes-
day evening and told the doctor he was on
the way to his hotel He evidently went to
his room as he said he should and went to
bed. He did not appear yesterday either at
the office or the house Of the lady to whom
he was to be married last evening-Miss
Balm, daughter Of Capt. James Balm Friends
went to the hotel about 7 p. m. to see what
the trouble was. Knocking on the door of
his room-No. 32-falled to meet with any
response, and bell-boy was sent in through
the tramsom who unlocked the door and DIR.
Whidden and Mr.. O'Connor, one of the pro.
prietors Of the house. entered. Mr.. Watkins
was found lying in the bed with his limbs
slightly drawn up. lying on his side with the
head partly buried In the pillow. A profuse
hemorrhage, either from the lungs or stom.
ach, had deluged the pillow and mattresses
with blood. "a Mr.. Watkins had evidently
been dead for some time. 1t is supposed
that he was taken with the hemorrhage In
his sleep and he must have died with but lit
tie struggle.
The room presented just such an appear
ance as would be expected. The garments
of the deceased were laid upon chair at the
foot of the bed, the curtain drawn and every
thing was in order. Coroner Gould was sent
for. and with Dr. Whidden and the under
taker. Mr. Martin, made an examination and
decided death resulted from natural causes
and that no inquest would be necessary.
As the hour approached for the wedding,
the intended bride. her family and friends,
who had gathered at the house No. II Gray
street, became very uneasy. 1t had seemed
strange that nothing had been heard all day
from Mr.. Watkins. and each moment inten.
slfied the depression that such q circum-
stance naturally created. Eight o'clock
struck and all was ready. When DIR. Whid-
den appeared, at once there was an eager
movement to learn the news. As quietly as
possible DR.. Written stated that Mr.. Wat
kins could not appear as he was seriously
i'll, and turning to Miss Bain's brother, he
privately told him that Mr.. Watkins could
not possibly survive but few hours. Miss
Balm would not accept the statement. In.
stinct told her that she had not heard all.
Then her brother begged Rev. Dr. Dunn to
break the sad news. Gently as possible 1t was
told, but the shock was crushing one for
the young lady. Slowly and sadly the party
departed for their homes.
Mr.. Watkins was between IS and 40 years
Of age. BE was born In New York, and
moved with his family to Sonth Paris in this
state, when but 10 years of age. There he
learned his trade in the Office of the Oxford
Democrat. and afterwards purchased the pa
per and became its editor. About four years
ago he sold the paper to Mr.. Atwood, a
brother Of his first wife and came to Port
land and entered the firm of Brown Thurs
ton & Co. He was great student. hard
worker and man who was much liked by
all who knew him. He had been twice
married. Mr.. Watkins was member of the
| Press Club.