Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-04-15


Her disease-chronic bronchitis-manifested
Its first distressing symptoms as far back as
1886, but she had been a sufferer from asth-
matte troubles for about seventeen years, and
Tor the last three years she has been scarcely
ever well. For the past year she has been
almost entirely an invalid and almost at any
time death seemed very close. She has for the
south and seemed generally to derive much
dement, from the more genial climate. During
al this long period Of suffering her daughter,
Miss JEANETTE, has been her almost constant
companion and untiring attendant She took
her mother down south early in the year, and
the last two months have been sad ones
neither the invalid nor her daughter could
scarcely hope to get back here again before the
final summons would come.
HER LAST RALLI.
Several weeks ago Mr.. Halford was tele-
graphed for and after his arrival his wife,
although at the point of death at the time,
again revived slightly, so that q week ago she
was brought back here again. For several
days afterward her condition was no worse
than usual until Monday night, when a more
serious change could be seen. All day yester-
day death was imminent, but it was not until
14O O'Clock came this morning that her wearied
eyes closed forever upon this earth. Her
stricken husband and affectionate young
daughter and the nurse were the only ones
|
had brought rest and quiet after such long
years OF suffering.
COURAGEOUS TO THE LAST.
Loving hands did all that could be DONE
and notwithstanding her suffering the sick
woman retained her courage and cheerfulness
to the last. She was hopeful and seemed to
think she would get better. Late last night it
was thought best to tell her that the end was
near, and this was done by Mr.. Halford and DR..
Sewers. This did not distress her in the least and
she calmly told her friends that she was ready
to die. Her death was a peaceful ending to q
noble and well-lived life.
1t was thought up to Monday noon that Mr.
Halford might be one of the presidential party.
and he had his preparations made to leave with
them that evening Monday noon, however,
DIR. Sewers informed him that Mrs. Halford' 8
| condition was 30 serious that it would be mad
visable for him to leave the city.
HER EARLY LIFE.
Mrs. Halford was born in Wilton, Me-, June
26, 1S47. She was the youngest daughter of
Mr.. George W. Armstrong of that town. Her
marriage with Mr.. Halford took place in
Indianapolis on the 1st of May, 1866 The
sacred ties, which have been now dissolved
Dy death; have been q very happy
member Of the Methodist church and
her religious life was well exemplified in her
happy, bright temperament and entire devo-
ton to her home duties. The first blight in their
married life began with her illness, but all
was done for her. With forgetfulness of self
and evident determination to get WELL to re-
lieve husband and daughter of their arduous
cares In her regard, may be ascribed those
short seasons when they, only too glad to be
deceived, thought that her health was again
returning.
BUT LITTLE IN SOCIAL LIE. HERE.
hav - IA 4
been seen but little in social life, though her
strength until the past winter often permitted
her to see her friends at her own home and
also to 60 occasionally to visit at the White
House. When che was able to 20 only she was
happy, bright and so interested in everything
going on that one could scarcely think her to
be an invalid. Perhaps her greatest priyation
was the fact that her daughter was also de-
priyed of the amusements suitable to her age
by her constant care and presence in the sick
room.
HEB oIRLHooD DAYS.
Mrs. Halford's girlhood days were spent in
Indianapolis and it was there that she met her
future husband. She had always a splendid
voice and attained more than a local reputa-
ton In consequences. Her parents-.Mr. and
Mrs. James Armstrong-after leaving their
home in Maine settled first in Franklin Ind, and
then in indianapolis. Their daughter was
teaching music in q Methodist seminary in the
latter city when she formed the acquaintance
o. 81 MI Msord, then engaged upon the staff of
parents removed to Elgin, Ill. and the young
couple kept up regular correspondence. At
one time, on their way to visit in Chicago.
Miss Armstrong and her parents had to wait
three hours In Indianapolis for train.
HER QUIET MARRIAGE.
Mr.. Halford came to the station to meet the
young lady, and the couple, thinking that no
time was as good Is the present, went to the
residence OF q minister and were married At
the station the newly married couple were
parted, the bride going on to Chicago to visit
with her parents. Six weeks later Mr.. Halford
went to Elgin to claim his wife, much to her
parents establishment from whom she had
then commenced in Indianapolis, has been q
singularly happy one. Their only child is
Miss Jannette Halford.
In personal appearance Mrs. Halford was q
pretty woman and even after her illness left its
traces it did not diminish the graciousness of
manner which gave her features an added
charm. She had fair hair, which was unu-
sually abundant, which she wore in the simplest
style.
INTIMACY WITH THE PRESIDENTS FAMILY.
The family Of President Harrison and that
Of Mr.. Halford have been closely connected BY
the strongest bonds Of affectionate interest for
many years. Mrs. Halford and Mrs. Harrison
were frequently together and it was always q
source Of regret to the latter that Mrs. Halford's
health would scarcely ever permit her attend
ance upon any Of the social functions at the
White House. The two ladies' however. saw q
great deal Of each other during last month.
when the critical condition Of Mrs Halford's
health became evident. The President and his
wife always hesitsted before announcing any
social plans, expecting from day to day to hear
Of her death.
sYNPArHY FROM TIE WHITE HOUSE.
The serious condition of Mrs. Halford yester-
day was known at the White House and among
several Of the ofacial families and messages of
sympathy were rendered Mr.. Halford. The
shock OF her death was, however, greatly felt
this morning among the cabinet families and
others with whom the Halford family had more
frequently come in contact, and many express
sions Of sorrow reached the saddened husband
and daughter during the day.
Lieut. Parker came over from the White
House immediAtely upon the receipt of the
news, and shortly after his first call he returned
again with Mrs. Parker and Mra Mckee. Young
McKee's mother-in-law.
Miss Sanger was al the morning With Miss
Halford, and the ladies from the White House
have been Of great comfort to her. She il
however, entirely composed and il able to
assist her father IN planning the details Of the
funeral ceremonies
TIE xUNx1AL eEnvIcKa
The funeral service win take place tomorrow
afternoon ct o'clock ct the Foundry N.
Church, with which ne deceased lady has been
idantifed siuce coming hera ImmadiaxaIv