The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1897-10-20
GEORGE M. PULLMAN.

GEORGE M. PULLMAN.
treme heat Of last week, together with
perhaps more than his usual exertion
In showing some friends about Pull
man, had caused him feeling of
debility, about which he spoke to one
or two friends, but which he did not
regard as serious He was so well
that he intended to leave for New York
tomorrow"
At the town of Pullman, where the
shops that bear the name Of the great
magnate are situated, no word had
been heard Of his health until news
paper men began to Inquire as to the
feeling of the townspeople on the sub
ject. The event had been so sudden
and at such an hour that the COM
pany officials in the town had heard
nothing regarding the death of their
chief till after the toilers in the huge
car works and kindred establishments
had begun the daily routine all uncon-
scious of the tragic occurrence at the
brown stone palace a few miles fur
ther north on the lake shore. Immed-
ately however, preparations were made
to close the big shops and for the
proper observance Of Mr.. Pullman's
obsequies.
The death of Mr.. Pullman, besides
leaving a vacancy in the Pullman car
directorate, also causes Il similar con-
dition of affairs in the board Of direc-
tors of the Chicago Telephone company.
He was represented OH the New York
Biscuit and Diamond Match boards by
his son-in-law, Frank Louden.
t., l,,lI to-, ,,;,
cles that Horace Porter will succeed
Mr.. Pullman AS president of the Pull
man Palace Car company.
Mr.. Pullman's residence on Prairie
avenue, where he died. is one of the
most delightful In Chicago. 1t Is sur
rounded by garden of most beautiful
flowers, in which graceful palms oc-
cupy an important place. AT the south
ern end of the property stands the
Massacre Monument" on the site Of
the old tree which marked the destruc-
tion of so many citizens and soldiers
after the evacuation Of Fort Dearborn,
in August 1872. The tree was removed
some years ago to the court Of the
Historical society, and the place where
1t had stood was marked by bronze
group illustrating the rescue of Mrs.
Helm by Black Partridge, and some of
the incidents of the tragic event.
Mr.. Pullmans fortune is variously
estimated at from s12,OOOOOO to $50, oOO,-
600.
George Mortimer Pullman was born
In Chautauqua county, New York.
March 3. 1887, educated in the common
schools, and while at school was taught
the art and mystery of cabinet max
ing by his elder brother.
He worked at his trade and did
chores in country general store, and
at the age of 23 went into business for
himself as contractor for moving
buildings along the line of the Erie
canal. In 1859 he settled at Chicago
and engaged in the business of moving
and raising houses. This work was
novel then. and he was quite successful
About this time the discomfort at
tendart on travelling at night attracted
his attention. A few sleeping cars were
In use at this time, but they were
wretchedly crude, uncomfortable af-
fairs. Mr. Pullman bought two old day
coaches from the Chicago and Alton
road and remodeled them on something
like the general plan of the sleeping
cars of the present day. They were put
into service on the Chicago and Alton,
and became popular at once. He saw
the possibilities of the business, but he
had great difficulty In inducing caDi-
talists to join him. His propositions
were laughed at. He persovered, how
ever, and in 1863 built the first sleeping
car resembling the Pullman cars of to-
day IT cost SIS OOO and was the "piO.
neer." After that the Pullman Palace
Car company prospered 1t had shops
at different cities. In 1880 the town of
Pullman was founded by Mr.. Pullman
and his company.