The evening herald. [volume] (Shenandoah, Pa.) 1891-1966, 1895-04-09
GOVERNOR MARTIL DEAD
Delaware's Chief Executive Yields
to His Long Illness,
HIS SUCCESSOR A DEMOCRAT.
Brief Life Sketch of the Dead Governor and
of william t. Watson, who Becomes
Governor by Virtue of His Selection as
Speaker of the Senate.

Of william 7. Watson, who Becomes
Governor by Virtue of His Selection as
Speaker of the Senate.
DOVER, Del, April Ex-Governor Joshua
n Marvil died at $500 last night after
having been unconscious for an hour and
half He was surrounded by the MEM
bers of his family, and the end came
peacefully and painlessly. Speaker Wat
son, who by reason of Governor Marvil's
death becomes chief executive of the state,
arrived here from his home in Milford at
O'Clock this morning, when he was in
Quoted into office by Chancellor Walcott.
Senator Records, of Sussex, will probably
be chosen speaker pro tenn.
The death of Governor Marvil will
greatly add to the present political com
plications in the state. The senate as at
present constituted stands five Democrats
and four Republicans but the Democrats
include Mr.. Watson among their number,
and If he leaves the senate it will be a tie.
He may elect to serve in both capacities,
and it is understood now that he will take
his seat in the senate whenever his vote Is
needed by the party, while Senator Rec
prds will continue to act as speaker pro
tenn. The Republicans will doubtless pro.
test against this arrangement, which will
add another to the many bitter contests
now prevailing in the legislature.
1t is thought, too, that the death of
Governor Marvil will hasten the solution
of the senatorial contest by bringing the
Opposing factions together.
Joshua Hopkins Marvil was born in Lit
tie Creek hundred, Sussex county, Sept.
g. 1925. His family was originally of En-
glish descent on the paternal and French
on the maternal side. He was the son of
Joseph Marvil a farmer, who was drowned
in 1884, leaving a widow and six children,
none grown. Joshua was the fourth child.
He was Obliged TO work, and found the
farm labor so pressing that he was only
able to attend school for a small portion
of the school year.
He remained with his mother until 21
years of age and then hired a man to take
his place, while he followed the water for
q year. For seven years thereafter the fu-
ture governor was engaged in shipbuild-
ing, at which calling he demonstrated
rare mechanical ability, and in short
time was made foreman of the yard in
which he was employed.
When 2S years old Marvil established a
shop for the manufacture of agricultural
| implements, and carried it on until 1865
In 1870 he invented a machine for manu-
featuring berry baskets, and by hand
power made 25,0 600 in that year. The next
year, steam being introduced, he turned
out 900, 900 baskets, besides crates to CON
| tain the same The business gradually
| grew until the establishment now makes
1900, 900 baskets every year, besides other
| boxes for the transportation of fruits. A
1 l. IL L
are using his machinery.
| Mr.. Marvil married Miss Sarah Ann
! Sirman, of Sussex county He leaves thres
sons two of whom were associatedpwith
him in business He was a. a.seonsistent
member of the Methodist Episcopal church,
always having taken a great interest in its
| work.
The governor had been for years afflicted
with heart and kidney trouble, and has
been unable to attend to his duties since
! March \, except at irregular periods.
William Thorp Watson, who, by the
, death of Governor Marvil becomes gov
sernor of Delaware, was born in Milford,
Kent county, Delaware, on June 22 1919,
and is the son Of Bethule and Ruth Il.
Watson and grandson of Governor Will
lam Watson, who was chief executive from
January 1S47, to January, 1851
Governor Watson was educated at Ches.
tertown, Md, and at the conclusion of his
studies returned to his home in Milford
An uncle of the governor, Colonel G. S
Watson, was a member of the senate in
1857, and his father was at one time
member of the lower house.
Governor Watson moved to Philadelphia
in 1879, and resided there about four years
after which time he returned to Milford
and was nominated by the Democrats fol
seat in the house of representatives IL
1885. He was elected, but the question o.
his eligibility having been raised Che no
having been resident of the state fo
three years Immediately preceding hi
election and resident of the county TO
one year,, Mr.. Watson refused to take tn,
seat. In 1899 he was nominated for tn
state senate and elected by large major
ity. At the.beginning of the present ses
sion he was elected speaker, and by tina
election became the legal successor of GOV
ernor Marvil, there being no lieutenan
governor In Delaware.