The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1902-12-10
A POISON MYSTERY.
Strange Features Surrounding
the Death of A. b. MarstOn.

Pittsburg. Kas., Dec. 1o.-The cor
oner's inquest and post-mortem exami-
nation has developed the fact that A. B.
Marston, assistant general manager Of
the Texas & Pacific Coal company, who
died suddenly at the Stilwen hotel, was
the victim of arsenical poisoning. The
inquest was thorough, but the jury wiz
not be able to return verdict until
after the stomach of the dead man mas
been examined by a specialist. The body
was taken to Parsons. accompanied by
Mr.. Dean of the Hotel Stilwell. There
a representative of the coal company
from Texas will meet the body and take
it to st. Louis, where it will be inferred
in the family burial ground.
Mr.. Marston was young man of 35
years and leaves young wife in Thur
Der, Tex, whom he had married only
of an influential family. his brother.
Edgar L. Marston. of SO Wall street
New York being millionaire and pres
ident of the Texas & Pacific Coal COM
Dany. The dead man was a highly re-
spected citizen in Thurber. holding the
position of county commissioner of
Erath county, Texas. He was a Knight
Templar, as indicated by a badge found
on his watch chain.
The story of the tragedy is that the
Texas & Pacific Coal company, one of
the largest coal operators in the west
and the principal operator in Texas, is
having trouble with the union and is
trying to import cOlOred miners. That
was Mr. Marston's mission to Pittsburs
AS assistant general manager he was
delegated to secure negro miners in the
north to ship to Thurber. He secured
the services of Richard HAYDEN a yOunS
colored man. who has been engaged for
years in the capacity of agent for coal
companies.
He is good agent and was trusted
by the MarstOnS Mr. Marston met
II a " inf
Alester last week They spent Wednes-
day there and left for Pittsburg the
next day. He Immediately secured a
room at the Stilwell on the first floor
and opened headquarters. while his col :
ored assistant Immediately commenced
his mission in Yale, Fleming and Other
camps. He finally secured a party here
and Sunday night reported to mis- SUI
perior at the Stilwell. Mr.. Marston ap-
peared to be in good spirits. he direct
ed Hayden to so to Mineral on Monday
and see what he could. but urged him
to return on the evening Missouri Pa
cific train. as the party would leave on
the 500 Frisco Monday night for Girard
to catch the Meteor south on the Frisco.
Monday morning he was in good spirits
and apparently in good health He re-
marked once that he was getting tired
on sitting around doing nothing, AMI
told MI Dean that he was gong to
leave that night for home He said ne
didn't like the business of loafing and
was going to get back to business again.
Shortly after breakfast he went To the
Frisco depot and arranged for transpor-
tation for Is miners to Fort Worth. Tex.
over that line and having attended to
this business he returned to the hotel.
He was about the hotel all forenoon. in
and out but seemed to be feeling wen.
About Il o'clock he entered the billiard
room and complained of feeling chilly.
The clerk at the news stand suggested
that he take seat near the radiator.
He did so. remarking, I've been chilly
all morning. Haven't you felt it?