The age-herald., 1899-05-26
ILILnHH DlLO hLUnL Remains of ", H. WOrthingtOn
 Discovered in His Room. BEEN DEAD SINCE MONDAY Odor From DeComposed Body
 Lead to Its Finding. HE WAS A NEWSPAPER MAN The Publisher of the Weekly Democrat The Deceased Came From Dis
 tineulshed Family of Mis-
 sissippi Journalists.
HE WAS A NEWSPAPER MAN

" ulldin H. w OI llllil5 lpili DuDllSilGT LII lflG Birmingham Weekly Democrat and a well known character about town, was found dead in his room in the Wilson building, corner Second avenue and Twenty-flrst street yesterday afternoon in a terrible state of decomposition, indicating that he had been dead for several days
 The discovery of the body was due to an investigation which was begun to locate the cause of an offensive odor which filled the building and which had been noticed since Wednesday. There is a narrow alley way or air passage between the wings of the building running down to the ground floor, which is occupied by the Jesse French Piano and Organ company and yesterday the odor became so offensive that several young ladies employed by the company were compelled to leave the store.
 Mr Pearce, the manager. instructed his employees to try and locate the cause of the stench in order that it might be re- moved. T. B. Long and Emmett Beck with, two of the statesmen, began a search and on going to a side window opening into the narrow passage, they noticed flies swarming from the window of one of the rooms on the floor above and went upstairs to investigate. As soon as they got into the hall they found that the odor came from room No. H. which was locked. On closer investigation they found a small hole in the door stuffed with paper, which was opened, and through which they could see the form of a man lying on a COL
 sickening Sight Officer Cullom was at once summoned and at the suggestion of General Fred s. Fer guson and others who had gathered the door was broken open and sickening sight met the gaze of the searchers.
 By the dim light of a candle the body of an old man was found in a half-sbtting. half-reclining position on small wire cot, where he had apparently died while in the act of retiring. It was some minutes be- fore any one could remain in the room sufficiently long to identify the remains, but finally lamp was procured, and Gen. eral Ferguson identified him as W. H. Worthington, whom he had last seen alive on Friday or Saturday. Coroner Dallas Wtas at once sent for. but it was learned that he was at Dolomite On another' case, and Acting Coroner Robin son was summoned.
 
 tf1e rooms of Erswell 6 Co.,, the under sakers where it was decided to hold an inquest. Before the jury was organized, however Coroner Dallas appeared and took charge of the investigation.
 Died On Monday Night A number of witnesses were examined The testimony showed that the old man was last seen alive on Monday and that he evidently died on Monday night.
 L. F. Hill of dae Ensey Enterprise, who was formerly associated with MT. Worth ington, testified that he met him about noon on Monday, and that he complained of being sick, stating that he was suffer- ing greatly from a stomach trouble. Other witnesses saw him on the same day, an1 others testified that he had been missing from his accustomed haunts since that time. A small pocket book which was found In his room contained number of news paper clippings and several railroad passes issued on account of the Weekly Demo- crat," of which he was editor. There was nothing to indicate foul play and Coroner Dallas rendered his verdict accordingly.
 Veterans Take His Remains
 MT. Worthington had no relatives In the city, but his remains were taken In charge by General Ferguson, on behalf of Camp Jeff Davis. Confederate Veterans associa- tion. of which he was member, until hls relatives In Columbus, Miss, could be heard from, who later ordered the remains shipped to that city for interment.
 Mir. Warrington was about 50 years of age and came here about ten years ago from Columbus, Miss, where he was born and reared. His father was one of the pioneer journalists of Mississippi and published during his life one of the most Influential papers of that state.
 Shortly after his removal to this city MT. Wo-thington began the publication of the ''New South," an illustrated Journal, which was discontinued about two years later.
 Struggle fur Subsistence
 He was afflicted with deafness, which be- came worse as he grew older, and his later days have been struggle to keep soul and body together, although he was never lack ing in energy. His affiictien and poverty kept him aloof from men, but many will recall him he walked the streets in the solitude of his misfortune.
 Mr. Worthington was a gallant confed- crate soldier and commanded @ company from Columbus in Mississippi regiment, and was commended by General Barks- dale for meritorious conduct on the field of battle.