The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-10-18
FOUND DEAD IN BED.
The Sad Demise of Charles w.
LawtOn.
AWFUL SHOCK TO HIS WIFE.
She Leaves Him Alive and Soon After
wards Finds Him . Corpse-An In.
dustrlous and Thrifty Life.

Charles W. LAwton, member of the state leeis-
lature for the Fortieth district and one OF Sc
attle's Oldest citizens, was found dead in bed
yesterday morning at $50 o'clock at his resi-
dence, corner of Yesler avenue and Fiftee nth
street.
Early yesterday morning Mrs. Lawton was
seized with fit of coughing and remarked to
her husband that as she did not wish to disturb
him she would arise and go into another room.
She did SO and later commenced to prepare
breakfast. When the meal was ready Mrs. Law
ton went to the door of the room in which her
husband slept and called. He did not answer.
She advanced to the bedside and shook him,
thinking he was sleeping soundly. There " as
no response. Becoming alarmed she took his
hand. 1t was cold. He was dead. The shock
was too much, and Mrs. Lawton ran from the
house uttering wild shrieks.
The neighbors, attracted by her cries, came to
the house, where they learned of the death OF
Mr. Lawton. Word was sent TO Coroner Horton,
who arrived, made an examination and de-
clared that death was caused by hear. disease.
The remains were taken to Bonney & Stewards
undertaking rooms to be prepared for burial
Charles w. Lawton was born in London, Eng,
land, in 1887. His parents were of English and
Scotch descent At an early age he showed
a remarkable fondness for the care
and study of flowers, trees and shrubs.
He made good use OF his time and soon acquired
q technical knowledge of botany. In 1857 he
came to New York, but soon sitter removed to
Toronto, Canada. His next move was to Wash
fngton City, where he secured a position in the
botanical gardens at the Smithsonian Institu-
tion.. This was about 1861 and he continued in
the employment OF the government at
the institution until the fall of 1868
While living In Washington City he was
married. The Western fever seized him and he
went TO White Pine, New. His stay there was
alArk 10 varE but
came to Seattle almost Immediately afterward
and settled at place on the White river Two
years later he bought of Henry Yesler five acres
of land, located on what was then known as
Mill street, now Yesler avenue, at Fifteenth
street. He started nursery and
used the whole tract as such until Yes
Ter avenue was extended through his
property. After this he plated portion and
sold the lots, as the city grew up about him, at
a handsome profit. Mr.. Law.on took considera-
bic interest in politics, and was twice elected
county commissioner. He was elected a men,
Der of the last state legislature, and still repre-
sented the Fortieth district of King county.
AS a citizen he had large circle Of acquaint-
anees. and was universally respected. He was
a staupeh member of the Republican party, and
stood high in the Masonic fraternity.
The sorrowing relatives are two brothers and
one sister, all living in London. Mr. Lawton's
property was all in Seattle, and Is valued at
$4,000.
The funeral services will take place from the
residences this afternoon at O'Clock, under the
auspices of Eureka Lodge, No. %, +. and A. II.
The knight Templar eommandery will attend
in body and act an escort. The Rev. John
F. Damon will ofiiciate
At "a meeting of the members OF the legislature
of the state of Washington from King county,
held yesterday, the following tribute of respect
was adopted:
WHEREAS, the members OF the legislature of
the state OF Washington, from King county,
have learned with profound sorrow aud deep re-
greet of the sudden death of Hon. Charles w.
Lawton, which occurred at his residence in this
city early this morning; and
WHEREAS, The Hon. Charles w. Lawton was
an OLD and respected citizen of King county,
and valuable and useful member OF the last
legislature, WIN ere he served with credit to him
self and honor 10 his constituency, and his col
leagues watched with great interest his zeal and
untiring efforts in the interests of good legis-
lation, and know from their associations with
him that he was an honest, upright and con-
scie ntious legislator and citizen, and feel that
his loss az member of the legislature and
citi zen will be long felt by his many friends,
VIII knew him to love and respect him.
Therefore, be il
Resolued, That the members of the legislature
throughout the state be requested and invited,
30 far as possible TO do, to attend his funeral
with u.s. from his late residence in this city, on
tomorrow, October Is, AT o'clock p. m.
ResOtred, That copy of these resolutions be
given TO the press of this city for publication,
and q copy be sent to his sorrowing widow.
TRUsTEN 2. DYER, Chairman.
GEORGE w. YANCY, Secretary.
The following preamble aud resolutions were
adopted last evening by Seattle Chapter, No. g.
Royal Arch Masons, in regular convocation:
WHEREAS, BY the sudden desth of our loved
comp anion, Charles w. Lawton, we, the men,
bers OF Seattle Chapter, No. 3, Royal Arch Ma
sons, have suffered sad and irreparable loss;
and
WHEREAS, Companion Lawton was charter
member OF this chapter aud was, since its birth,
one of its most constant attendants and jealous
supporters; and
WHEREAS, He was an earnest Mason and an
exemplary citizen, faithful in every station and
true to every obligation: therefore, be it
Resolved, That the members of Seattle Chapter
No. 3, r. A. NJ, deeply mourn the death of COM
panion Charles W. Lawton, and will cherish the
memory of his virtues and his fraternal loyalty
Resolved, That citizen he was worthy Of
the honors bestowed upon him, and OF the con-
fdenee which his low-citizens always mani
fetted in him.
Resolred. That the foregoing preamble and
resolutions be entered at large upon the records
OF this chapter and published in the daily pressr
and that copy thereof, attested by the seal of
the chapter, be presented to his bereaved widow
with the respectful assurance of our sincere
sympathy and coincidence.
RESOLVED, That, as a further mark OF respect
the hall OF our chapter be drsped in mourning
for thirty days.
MRS ALLEN