Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1895-02-14
DEATH Or WI. HEARNE.
NJ EXPIRED ABOUT RALF-PAST NINB YES
TERDAY MORNING.
Hs Was Born in Delaware in 1918, and had Been
= Resident Of Whssling Since iS67-HiS
Extensive Manufacturing lntsr'sS-A
Leading and PuOic-Spiriisd
Citizen.

William L. Hearns, whose very serious
illness was chronlcled in the columns OF
the Register yesterday, died at his rooms
at the Mcclure House about half past
nine yesterday morning, in the seventy
seventh year OF mis- age.
In his death Wheeling loses citizen
OF the best type, and his demise will be
deeply and universally deplored. For
twenty eight years he stood in the front
rank OF the progressive and enterprIs-
ing manufacturers OF the city, and no
man has done more to promote the in
dustrial activity OF this whole commu-
nifty. In IRON aud steel manufacturing
n this vicinity he was leader in the
progressive and intelligent application
OF modern ideas and methods. He gave
a strong impetus TO ths growth
of Wheeling: as china manu-
featuring center; and his III
auepce, aid and encouragement were
not lacking in other important enter
prises. In public affairs his interest
was deep, and his effort was ever On the
side OF the greatest good to the greatest
number. while in religious and chart
able work his record stands as one 10 be
emulated in the years TO come. The
death OF such man is little snort OF
public calamity, and as such the death
of Mr. Hearue Will DO regarded by those
who knew him best
For several years past Mr.. Hearne's
health was far from good, but an eX-
teyded sojourn 10 Southern California,
last summer and fall, appeared TO have
restored MIN Ia a great measure, his I'M
proved condition upon his return being
very noticeable. About the first OF the
present month severe cold was con
tracted, however, and although this
Welded to very consid erable extent TO
prompt treatment, he became worse on
Monday, aud on Tuesday those about
bin had little or no hope OF his re
covery. Yesterday morning his condi-
ton was such as 10 indicate that the
realization Of the worst fears could not
DO delayed beyond few hours, and at
half past nine he breathed his last
William L. Hearne was a native OF
Delaware, where be was born Septem-
Der a, 1915. He spent his early years
there, and at the age Of nineteen. in
1897, he married a sister OF Governor
Ross. The succeeding twenty years OF
his life wsrs passed In his native State,
where he successfully engaged 10 bust
ness, but in 1857 he re-
moved TO Missouri. where he
engaged in the tobacco business at Han
nibal. In 1862 be transferred his
business 30 New York, but in May, 1868,
he returned to Hannibal, remaining
there two years. He then disposed Of
his business, and In 1867 he came
10 this city and embarked large
share of his capital In the iron and
nail business, becoming stocKhoider
Ia the firm OF Dewey, Vance ~ Co., then
owning the Riverside works, the nall
factory of this plant being then under
construction. This interest in the
works Mr. Hearne not only maintained
Bat enlarged, with the growth and eX-
tension or the Riverside plant, be being
made general manager upon the reor-
gauization and Incorporation Of the
Riverside Company, In 1874. lie held
this position until 1876, when he trans
ferred the burden 10 the very capable
hands or his son, Frank J. Hearne, but
the deceased still maintained his inter
est and his place on the Board OF Di-
rectOrS.
Mr.. Hearne was the head and front
OF the movement which resulted 10 the
building, equipment and operation OF
the extensive and model plant OF the
West Virginia China Company, IN 1857
and also scGuired an interest In the
Wood ward Iron Works, in Ala bama.
The deceased always took a wide and
intelligent interest in public affairs, but
be never held Office until, in 1877, he
was nominated and elected as Dele
gate from Ohio county to the Lseisla-
ture.
10 religion, he was for many years
commitment of the Presbyterian
Church, holding membership 10 the
Second church OF this city, and of which
he was trustee for more than twenty
yeSrs. His liberality In charitable and
religious matters was marked, and his
efforts IN ese directions cul-
minated three years ago in the
formulation Of plans for the Hearne
Tabernacle, 10 be undenominational In
its character The plans we're carried
out, and have resulted in great good.
The church, located on South street,
will be long a monument and memoir
ial TO the deceased.
Mr.. Hearne's first wife died in 1864,
and In the latter part OF 1865 be was
married to a daughter OF Col. j. B.
Ford. Thirteen children were the re-
suit of his first marriage, and three OF
The second, those now living being Ed
win R. Hearne, o. New York; Mrs.
George Il. Littleton, Mrs. f. w
Smith. Mrs K. b. Armour ana
Robert L. Hearne. OF Kansas City;
Frank j., William b., Julian q and d.
Garth Hearue, Of this city. The four
asst named were with their father 10 his
last moments Mrs. hearoe was absent
in New York, but arrived few hours
after death. accompanied by Mrs. Frank
] Hearne, Edwin R. hearne and vile,
and w. II. Hearue, Jr. The children In
the West are expected to reach the city
this morning.
DELAYS are dangerous. = dollar
IL