The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-09-10
M'REE DEAD
State Engineer Found Dead
III Lumberton.
Apoplexy Caused His Death. q Resolutions
Adopted Yesterday Byihe Board
of Education.
The following special was received here

The following special was received here
yesterday:
"Lumberton, N. c., Sept. 9, 1902
Capt. J. Fl. McRee, the State Survey
CT, was found dead in his room at the
Hotel Columbia this morning. He was
here as witness in an important law
suit. He retired about twelve oclock last
night seemingly in good health, but fail
iLg TO answer the knocks on his door this
morning, an entrance was gained by
forcing open the door, and his corpse
was found on the floor near a window.
Apoplexy was 1he cause of his death.
The remains were carried to Wilmington,
his home. for interment."
special meeting of the Board of Edu-
cation was called Immediately that the
information of Capt. McRee's death
reached the city yesterday morning. The
following resolutions were adopted
Whereas. The State Board of Educa-
ton has learned with sincere grief and
deep regret of the death of the State
Engineer, Capt ]. H. McRee, therefore
be it resolved:
First. That in his death this board
and the State of North Carolina have
lost the services of a faithful, conscien-
tious and efficient officer.
Second. That we tender to the mem
bers of the bereaved family our warmest
sympathy and ask for them, in this dark
hour the comfort that cometh only from
on High.
Third. That a copy of these resolu-
tions be spread on the minutes of the
State Board of Education and that copies
be sent 20 the beTeaved family and to the
state papers.
Yesterday afternoon Capt. John Duck
EFT, chief clerk in the Department of
Public Instruction, went to Wilmington
to take charge of the maps, charts and
ether documents of Importance which
were in the possession of Captain Nc
Rec.
Capt. j. H. McRee was State Engineer
and also agent in charge of the public
lands in the possession of the Board of
Education. He had been surveying these
lands and making maps and charts for
the use of the board,
Captain McRees home was in Whining
ton. He was fifty years of age and leaves
a wife and two daughters.
Wilmington, N. c., Sept. 9.-Capt.
Joseph Hill McRee, State Surveyor OF
Public Lands, was found dead in his
room this morning about 6 o'clock at
the Columbia Hotel Lumberton, n. G.,
whittier he went Sunday to appear as a
witness in an important land suit set
for hearing at this weeks term OF
Robeson Superior Court. Proprietor w
o Thompson of the hotel first discovered
the death. A porter who went to wake
the guests for breakfast as usual, came
down stairs and informed Mr.. Thompson
that no response could be received from
Capt. MeRee's room. The proprietor at
once went to the room and again failing
response, he forced the door and found
the defeased lying face downward about
half way between his bed and a window
hich he had evidently gotten out of bee
to hoist. physician pronounced death
as the result of apoplexy The remains
ere brought to the home of the deceased
here today and will be buried after fun
eral services from st. James Episcopa
church tomorrow.
Accompanying the remains of Capt
McRee to Wilmington today was thC
following deputation of prominent Robe
son citizens: Sheriff Geo b. Mcleod
Stephen Mcintyre. Gilbert B. Patterson
and L. A. White, Esq.