Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-12-18
DIES IN HER CARRIAGE
TIE Mother of Mrs. Robert L. Downing, the
Actress, Expires Suddenly.
Had Come to City From 'EdgewOOd,"
Her Home. to Make Purchases
for Cbristmas.

Mrs Ella Wren Blair, mother-in-law OF
Robert l. Downing, the actor, died IN her
carriage about 1O:3O o'clock this morning
in front of the Chicago Hotel, on Penn
sylvania avenue between Sd and AZ streets
northwest. Her body was removed to the
morgue and it was some time before the
police were able to establish her identity.
They We're put to considerable trouble on
account o: a misleading address written on
a Wells Fargo express receipt, which was
found in the dead woman's pocket book.
This gave her address Takoma, WASH
ington Later the identity of the dead wo-
man was established and her relatives at
Edgemore. near Benning, were notified.
Mrs Blair left her home at Edgemore
this morning and drove to the city, intend
ing to make some Christmas purchases, as
we'll as TO procure some groceries for the
house. She was driving west on Pennsyl-
vania avenue near 41a street, when pedes-
trians noticed that she appeared to be i'll
Her head had fallen to one side, Dut She
still held the relus in her hands. Frank
Henderson, u colored man. was among
those who noticed Mrs BIair's appearance
and he stopped the horse. A number of
people who were passing at the time soon
crowded about the buggy, among them be-
ing DIR. Frank f. Wilson. who represents
the nfth New York district in the House of
Representatives. He made hasty eXami-
nation of the patient and saw that there
was no hope for her.
ambulance Summoned.
Policeman Langley telephoned to the
Emergency Hospital for an ambulance,
while Policeman Reh remained in charge of
the buggy. When the ambulance arrived
the surgeons in charge of the vehicle an
nounced the woman's life was extinct. As
there was nothing that could be done for
the stricken woman Policeman Reh drove
to the morgue and placed the body in charge
,prir,t a Sah hey
In the pocket book found in the pocket of
the woman's dress the police found card
bearing Mrs. Blair's name. There was
Wells Fargo express order for an amount
of money from her daughter, dated Sacra-
mento, Cal December II. This order was
signed Eugene Blair" Mrs. Downing has
been playing in the west this winter with
her own company, using her maiden name.
The deceased. who was more than sixty
years old, was an actress of some prom
InenCc during her younger days. She was
a Miss WreT and was particularly well
known in Richmond, a, where, 1t Is stated.
she lived for many years She married an
actor named Blair. For several years she
has lived at "Edgemore," the family resi-
dence Of the Downings.
No Evidence OF Illness.
This afternoon Mr.. Robert Downing call
ed at the rnorgUe with friends and identi-
fled the body. He said to a Star reporter
that Mrs Blair was apparently in the best
of health this morning. He returned from
St. Louis on an early train this morning
and went out home. About 10 o'clock he
came to the city in the conveyance with
his mother-in-law, leaving her at 18th and
H streets northeast. He boarded car
and went to the Lafayette Theater. Mr..
Downing was informed of the death by
Star reporter.
Undertaken r. W. Barker took charge of
the body. When it is prepared for burial
1t will be taken TO "Edgemore,' from where
the funeral will take place. Mrs F. M.
Bates of New York, sister of the de-
ceased, was notified of the death this ar
ternOon. Until she is heard from arrange
ments for the funeral will not be made.
Mrs. Blair was a native of England.