The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1893-01-12


WAsHINGToN, D. O., Jan. ll,-General
Benjamin 4. Butler, the lawyer, states
man, politician and millionaire manu-
iacturer died at his Washington resi-
dence, No. 900 New Jersey avenue,
Southeast, at half past one o'clock this
morning,
The general has always to greater
or less extent made his residence in
Washington, although many OF the
scenes OF his successful ventures have
been located elsewhere. During the
present winter case which had been
decided against him in the highest
courts OF the state OF Massachusetts,
and in which no took IN appeal to the
United States supreme court, has de-
/, handed his almost constant residence
in this city. Finally, II few weeks ago,
the case was decided against him.
Whether or not tho loss OF this case, TO
which he had paid such close attention,
brought anything moro than the sor-
rows OF casual defeat will never be
known.
His death created immense surprise,
as it was not even known that he WIS
ailing, any moro than any man whoNhad
lived and labored so long would. lie
was born in 1878 in Deeraeld, N. H.,
and consequently was at the time Of his
death seyenty.iiye years Of age.
General Butler retired last night at ] l
o'clock and soon after midnight his
colored body servant, West, who has
accompanied him on nil his journeys
for the last ten or fifteen years, and
who slept in the adjoining room, heard
him coughing violently. He went into
tho generals bedroom to see II he could
DO Of assistance, but found that the
general had passed into the bath room
adjoining. Thither West followed and
offered assistance.
The general mentioned that his ex-
rectoration Ind been discolored with
blood. He did not appear to think
seriously OF the matter, however, and
after his valet had assisted him TO his
bed. he said: "rhats all, West. You
need not do anything more" and ap.
parently went to sleep.
He had lain on his bed but few mo-
ments, however, when his heavy breath-
ing again caused alarm.
Mr.. Lanier Dunn, hisnephewby mar
riage, who resided in the same house,
started out in search Of medical assist
ance, 1t was fully fifteen minutes be-
fore he could secure aid, and when he
returned with'Dr. Lucc, it was socn
that the general was already in cxtrem-
lie. The doctor so informed tho two
nieces Of the general, who were ut his
bedside, and death almost Immediately
ensued. The end was apparently pain
less, and according to the doctors cor.
tificato was brought about by heart
failure, superinduced by an acute at
tack OF pneumonia.
The intermcnt will take place in tho
family lot ut Lowell, Mass, where the
generals wife and his son Had name
sake, Benjamin Butler, lie buried. Tho
date OF burial will DO determined after
the arrival OF his children.
( In 1862, after Farrsgut had virtually
captured Now Orleans. But!cr took pos.
session Of tho city. His administration
of affairs was marked by great vigor,
and in the ensuing December lie was
declared an outlaw by Jefferson Davis.
General Butler was Then recalled, and
near tho close OF 1858 he was placed in
command OF tho Department OF Virginia
and North Carolina Ho was afterwards
called 10 tho Army OF the James In
1854 he was sent to Now York to insure
quiet during the election. in December
OF that year he conducted an efficient
expedition against Fort Fisher, and was
afterwards removed from command by
General Grant.
In 1866 he was elected to Congress as
Republican, whore he remained until
1879, with the exception Of the years
1857. Hc was the most active OF the
manaiors appointed in 1868 by the
house Representatives 10 conduct the
Impeachment OF President Andrew
johnson. lie was the unsuccessful can.
didate for governor of Massachusetts In
1876; was the candidate OF the Indo.
pendent Grecnbackers and Democrats
Tor the Same Office and was again de-
icated. In 1882 he was elected by tho
Democrats; was rcnominnted in 1883,
and defeated. In 1884 no was tho candl-
date Of the Greonbackers and Rnti.Mo.
nopolists for President aud received
1888 1926 votos During tho later years Of
his life he had devoted his timo to the
practice OF law and was counsel in
many cRseB OF importance before tho
supreme court,