Evening star., 1902-04-19

for rest. although advised to do so by
physicians and friends. He remained at
his post at the White House up to abor;
two weeks ago and performed his duties
When he was taken sick he was rooming
at the Arlington, but he at once re-
moved to the Garfield Hospital. where every
care and attention was given him until the
end came.
Mr.. Chas. NJ. Hendley his brother-in-law,
came on from New York as he re-
ceived notice of the death and had the
body removed to his house, 1916 l. street
at Trinity p. E. Church, corner Sd and e
streets northwest. Monday afternoon at q
o'clock. Rev. r. p. Williams, the rector,
officiating.
Widespread Sorrow.
The genuine sorrow caused by the death
Of Major Pruden will be felt outside of
Washington. His years of service at the
White House had made him thousands of
friends away from this city, who remem-
bered him with affection and pleasure. His
kindly disposition, conservative manner
ana open-hearted friendship, not only made
him hosts of friends but endeared him to
those who came in contact with him. At
the White House this morning there was
a feeling of profound sorrow among the
staff of men with whom Major Pruden
worked There was a test of the man, and
among those who knew him intimately
and were acquainted with his whole life
there Is nothing but regret at his death.
He was a noble, big-hearted fellow, full
Of kindness, thoughtful and considerate,"
was the way one of the men spoke of him
this morning, and all the others felt the
same way. In and out of the building
many times day, passing and repassng
his co-workers and comrades, there was
always the same genial, gentle thoughtful
ness of those around him. If he ever felt
bitterness to another 1t was never ex
In l. NNI
of a fellow-man he said nothing. This
attitude characterized him In his dealings
outside of the White House. In his family
and in the circle of friends beyond Off
cial life he was found to measure well up
to the full requirements of life.
Major Prudens confidential work at the
White House for many years naturally
gave to him a retiring disposition during
his official hours that followed him to some
extent in his private life, but it in no way
obscured those characteristics that made
and retained friends for him.
His Long and Active Career.
Major Octavius Longworth Pruden was
born in Dover, N. J., March %, 1912. From
bcyhoOd he was a good penman and this
was one reason that led to his selection by
President Hayes, in 1877, assistant sec
retary in the preparation of nominations,
social programs data, etc AT the out
break of the civil war Major Pruden en-
listed as private in a New Jersey regi-
ment. He was later given a commission in
colored regiment, but did not care to &C
cept it. He was soon after placed in the
Judge advocate generals office of the War
Department in a clerical position, serving
there until 1873, when he was detailed to
the White House as a clerk. President
Hayes, as stated, promoted him and as
signed him regularly to the White House
rolls as executive clerk. He had remained
there ever since. He served four years in
that capacity and twenty-five years as as
sistant secretary, and during all that period
had taken to the Capitol the papers and
messages of the Presidents. His was a
familiar figure in the House and Senate
Until last December, Major Pruden had al
ways copied the annual messages Of the
Presidents for presentation to Congress-
His handwriting was SO plain and perfect
that SO long as the custom existed of send
ing the Presidents message to the Senate
In that form the work was done by Major
Pruden. He copied and arranged the mes
sages after they had been written by the
Presidents.
Much of the social work of the White
House-such as preparing the lists of
guests to important functions seating them
at tables in the order of precedence, and
such delicate things this-was done by
Major Pruden. Many great dinner that
required the most intimate knowledge of
diplomatic etiquette and the precedence of
seating at the table, was arranged by
Major Pruden. The cards at the plates bore
the names in his handwriting. He did this
for the dinner to Prince Henry given by
President Roosevelt, and he did all these
things, like everything else, well. Devo-
tion and faithfulness to duty were among
the virtues he possessed
President Mckinley appointed Major Pru-
den paymaster in the regular army with
the rank Of Major. in April of 1901, but be-
cause his duties would take him away from
Washington he declined the position and
was reappointed to his old position. which
he had vacated for only short time
Major PrlI(1pn'S wife WI ho1
Morrell of this city, died twelve years ago
He Is survived by two children Howard
Pruden, his son, was recently appointed
superintendent of mails in Porto Rico, and
his daughter, Mrs. Eva Stratton. is rest
dent of this city.