The age-herald., 1898-11-25
LIGHTER MET DEATH
 BY AN ACCIDENT This Has the Verdict of the COFOn-
 CTS Jury AZ TER HEARING EVIDENCE He Returned Home Intoxicated and Fell
 Going Up St6pS. RECEIVED SEVERE BLOW ON HEAD Which Ruptured an Artery His Re- mains Will be Shipped This Morn ing to His Daughter, Who
 Resides in Atlanta.
RECEIVED SEVERE BLOW ON HEAD

The jury empaneled. by Acting Coroner Morris to hold an inquest over the re- mains of c. M Lighter, who was found dead in his bed at the residence of Police man G. w. Kirkley, No 25OS Avenue c, on Wednesday morning, after examining number of witnesses yesterday, returned verdict finding that the deceased came to his death from accidental causes.
 The inquest was set for 1 o'clock at the rooms of the Miller Undertaking company. in Third avenue, where the remains had been taken.
 It was found that there was not sufficient room in the undertakers' establishment, and after a careful examination of the body, the court of inquiry moved to the probate office in the county court house, where the witnesses were examined.
 Dr. G. B. Gibson testified that he had made an examination of the wounds on Lighters head and that in his opinion death was produced by the rupture of the temporal artery, causing cerebral hemor- rhage He gave his opinion that the rupture could have been caused by falling and striking the head or by a blow.
 Ed Powers, who lives in the same house and was out with Lighter on Tuesday night, was the next witness He testified that he had known Lighter for several months and had always found him quiet, peaceabe man. Was at the supper table with him on Tuesday night and heard him say that he had eaten four dozen oysters during the day. About 730 o'clock left the house with him and stopped at the corner of Avenue and Twenty second street for about thirty minutes. Then went to Du- senberry's saloon, corner Avenue A and Twentieth street. where they had a drink. While in Dusenberry's place Lighter tried to have $5 bill changed, but could not get it. Then went out and returned in about forty-five minutes. Lighter bought some whiskey and got his bill changed. Then went to the Metropolitan saloon and had some more drinks.
 Both Were Intoxicnted
 The witness here testified that he and Lighter were both under the influence of whiskey and went to several other saloons, where they drank Remembered being at the corner of Second avenue and Twentieth street About Il o'clock he lost Lighter in Twenty fourth street. Did not remember when Lighter left him, or that he said anything about leaving. Returned home and saw Lighter coming around the cor ner of the house as if he had been in the back yard. Was not sure how long they were separated Was not over thirty min utes. Walked up the steps leading to the porch together. He preceded Lighter into the house and started up stairs.
 There was no light in the hall, and heard Lighter fall Was in no condition to help him up and went to his room and reported to his roommate, John w. Dowell, that Lighter was drunk and had fallen in the hall and requested him to assist Lighter up stairs. Mcdowell brought him up and he helped him undress him and place him in bed. Then went to his room and soon went to sleep. Heard no noise during the night f .rst heard of Lighters death through Mo- Dowell, who woke him and informed him of it. Front door to the house and door to Lighters room were not kept locked.
 substantiated Powers Testimony
 Mcdowell was called and substantiated Powers testimony in regard to himself. He testified that he heard a noise and when informed by Powers that Lighter had Iallen in the hall he put on his pants and placing the lamp at the head of the stairs went to assist him. Found him lying In
 
 rear of the house. Asked him what was the matter and received only a groan in reply. Sat him up and dragged him to the steps and on account of Lighter being much heavier lifted him from one step to another until he reached the top of the stairs. When half way up Lighter asked him to let him lie down. Made the same request when he got him nearly to the top. As soon as he got him up stairs carried him to his room and Lighter requested him to let IL I,x @l al, .xfl11 under his head. Did so and went to get Powers to help undress. him. Came back with Powers and with his assistance put Lighter to bed; noticed bruise on his head. His clothes were muddy. Then went to bed himself and slept soundly. Heard no noise during the night. In the morning went to see if Lighter had gotten up. Found his door standing ajar about six inches ,4,.d closed it after putting Lighter to bed and thought that he had gotten up and gone to work. Decided to make sure of the matter and looked in the room. Saw Lighter lying in the bed covered up except his head. Went to him and found that he was not breathing. Put his hand on Light CTS head, which was cold. Immediately went down stairs and reported the matter to Officer Kirkley, who was at home, and a physician was summoned. Had known Lighter for several months He was of a lively disposition.
 Pleasant and Agreeable
 J. D. Lewis, who also lives in the same house, was examined and testified that he had known Lighter since he had been living in the house. Had met him at meal times and found him pleasant and agreea- ble. Saw him at supper on Tuesday night. He was in an unusually good humor. Had heard him say he came here from North Carolina.
 Mrs. Kirkley was examined and testified that Lighter was a man of temperate habits. She saw him Tuesday afternoon and at supper Tuesday night. Supposed he went out after supper, but did not know so of her own knowledge. At about 2 o'clock Wednesday morning heard noise in Lighters room, which was on the second floor above her own, Sounded as If some one was falling against the wall Was alarmed at nrst but the noise soon quieted