The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-08-17
DEATH ANGEL VISITS
BRIDAL CHAMBER.
Within a Day Nuptia| Gown is
Exchanged for Widows Weeds
MR.. ]. B. BLAn7oN DIES
The Injuries of the Young Man, Who
Though Dying Was Married at
the Retreat for the Sick Fri-
day Night, Prove Fatal.

The Angel of Death, who had hovered
IVES being performed, descended upon the
bridal chamber of Mr.. J. B. Blanton, at
the Retreat for the Sick when the day
was dying yesterday, and departed with
the soul of the young groom, leaving a
sorrCw-stricken bride, whose nuptial
gown was in less than the span of a sin
Gle day exchanged for Widows weeds.
Nh. ]. 3. Blanton died yesterday after
liocn at the Retreat for the Sick, leaving
a widow, his bride of but a few hours.
knowing the man to whom she had given
her love had but a short while to live.
AID wishing at least to bear his name,
though he was not spared, this marriage
ceremony, the bonds of which were SO
soon 10 be broken by death, was per-
formed shortly before 1 o'clock on Friday
night at the hospital.
It united the lives Of Mr. J. B. Blanton,
who lay dying from injuries. and Miss
Julia Estella Roberts, a young woman
just nineteen years of age full of the life
and strength of her young womanhood.
TOUCHING SCENE.
This marriage. made in the hospital
ward while death waited yet little
while. was a scene which touched the
souls of those who looked upon 1t. But
still in The dark sorrow there was yet life
and hope, as a faint light, which failed
| in the presence OF, death.
Death came while the young wife knelt
by the cot where she had kept a sorrow
ing vigil for more than a day and a half.
Beside her were her mother her sister
SnC members Of her husbands family.
AS the end drew near nurses and phys-
clans, who for three days had done all
in mans power to save the life retired,
leaving but those to whom the dying man
was dear.
THE ANGEL OF DEATH
He is dead.,' one said who came from
the room The halls and wards Cf the
hospital were silent, and in the eyes of
physicians and nurses, who passed quietly
to and fro, there were tears of true SYM
Tathy for the young wife. whose devo-
ton they had seen.
On Thursday afternoon Mr.. Blanton.
who was employed as a carpenter at the
T1igg Shipyards, was struck with block
Of wood thrown from a circular saw, and
sustained the injuries which proved fatal.
Tic block. struck him Immediately over
the abdomen and inflicted internal inju-
ries. He had been at the hospital only
a short while when the news of his in
jury reached his home in Manchester and
was communicated to Miss Roberts, to
whom he was engaged to be married in
November
Accompanied by her sister, Miss
Roberts went to the Retreat at once.
That afternoon physicians would not ad-
nit her to the injured mans room, but
on Friday morning his condition being
more critical, with little chance for re-
covery the young lady was permitted
to enter the room. and there she re-
mained almost constantly until death
came.
The young widow was Miss Julia Es-
tella Roberts. daughter u Mrs. Maria
Roberts, of No. 112 East Eighteenth
Street, Manchester. She had known Mr..
Blanton for several years. but had been
engaged to him since last March only.
The remains of Mr.. Banton were re-
moved from the hospital yesterday eve
ming. being taken to his home, No. 191.
Decatur Street, Manchester.
Mr.. Blanton leaves of his immediate
family. his father and mother. Mr. and
Mrs ]. A. Blanton, and one brother,
Mr.. George ". Blanton.
The funeral service will take place
some time tomorrow. The hour has not
yet been decided upon.