The Washington times., 1905-01-07
VETERAN EDITOR,
IF. C0YLE, DEAD
Owned 1ntelligencer-Ex -Ex-
press" of Washington.
CHAMPION OF JOHNSON
Knew Lincoln's Assassin-Once Promi-
nent in journalistic and
Political Circles.

John F. Coyle, journalist the last of
a coterie of men once prominent in
the social and political life of Washing
ton. died yesterday at ST. yincent-s Hos
pital New York
Broken in health from complications
incident to his eighty-four years of
age, he had been in the hospital for
some weeks, lowering between life and
death. Blood poisoning developed re-
Gently. and was the immediate cause of
death.
The body Of Mr.. Coyle will probably
be brought to Washington for interment.
Arrangements for the funaral have not
been completed, but it is probable the
remains win be taken in charge by re-
12fives residing in this city.
Word of his demise has been sent to
his two children in California. Plans
for the burial cannot be made until di-
rections are received from them.
A Prominent Parsonage.
Mr.. Coyle's death marks the quiet
passing Of a man, who. in his prime,
was one OF the most conspicuous and
prominent figures in the affairs of the
National Capital. He was the intimate
friend Of President Andrew Johnson and
Samuel j. Tilden- He was the confidant
or John Wilkes Booth, assassin of
President Lincoln, and among his
casual acquaintances numbered dipio-
mats, statesmen. philosophers, philan-
thropdsts, authors. and men prominent
IN all walks of life.
During the administration of Pres,-
dent Johnson he was one Of the owners
and editors of the National InteIli-
gencer' of Washington. It was then that
he was at the pinnacle of his fame and
success.
Champion of Johnson.
He welded a powerful influence in DO
ltdca1 circles When he proved htmseli
the vigorous champion of Johnson al
the time of the latter's impeachment by
Congress. his espousing of the cause OF
the President attracted wide attention.
Coyle acquired his interest in the I'm
telligencer'' just before the outbreak oi
the civil war. The firm which purchased
the publication from its owners Seator
e. yelling, was known as Snow. Coyl'
& Co.. of which Coyie was the mos
prominent member.
When hostiiities were declared tn,
paper at once became a sympathize
with the South. It's editorials on TIL
subject, written by Coyie, were timel,
and vigorous-but although the editor
violently denounced the North the pape
also became noted for Its antagonism :,
secession.
Paper Lost Caste.
In 1865 the new owners enlarged tn
paper and consolidated it with the ''Ex
press" under the joint name of sIn
elIigencer-Express.'' When the pape
subsequently supported the reconstruc
ton policy of President Johnson, It be
gan to be regarded IN the light of
party organ. Coyle's friendship wit
the President was known far and wide
1t thus appeared that his vigorous SUP
port was merely a part Of their war;
relations, and the publication lost caste
Coyle and his partner sold the pape
on November 80, 1853, to Alexander De
mar, who entered the local newspape
field with the intention Of making th
nteIugencer-Express' a modern dali
paper The cost, however, proved S
great that Delmar was IN turn forced I
give up the enterprise, and the publica
ton was suspended never to be reol
ganized on January 10, 1870
One incident in Mr.. Coyle's life know
to only a few persons, center round tn
last day with Booth, a, few hours befor
the latter shot the President at Ford
Theater Twice on the day. on whic
the tragedy occurred Coyle had been
conversation with Booth. but the acto
not once intin1ated TO him the pie
which he intended to consummate tha
night.
Two Meetings.
That morning Booth called at his Of
fee They met again IN the afternoo
on Pennsylvania Avenue, and had a
hour or so of chat.
While Booth was entering the theate
that night he handed note to an usht
TO be delivered 70 Mr.. Coyle. who ha
expressed his intention of attending II
play. The message was not delivers
however, as the usher forgot II durin
the confusion that followed the assa
sination. Later he feared to give it
Coyie.
When the excitement had subsided
told a friend of the newspaper man
the note This friend, knowing that u
note would probably increase Coyle
troubles on account of his frfendsh
with the assassin. destroyed it.
Three times Mr. Coyie was arrests
in connection with the murder OF Il
President. Without mercy he was la
gered 10 tell what he knew OF the co
spiracy which resulted IN the death
Lincoln AS he was innocent. he cou
solve none OF the mystery, and was SUI
seauently exonerated from any come
tion with the tragedy
OF late years Mr.. Coyle had been e
gagged in corresponding for various .
pers Some time ago ne was offered
position with the Democratic Nation
Committee of New York. and it was th
duty that took him away from Was
ington.
Father an Immigrant.
Mr.. Coyle was the son Of John Coy
al. Irish Immigrant, who resided
Washington His mother was Matil'
Spaulding. q member Of the family
that name which gave the Roman Cat
oIic Church in America its first arc
bishop. His wife was Miss Katheri
Dawson. oT Baltimore. who died IN II
TWO children were born of the unio
1Fr.incis Dawson coyie, and Annie Coy
The daughter is married. and, like
Brother. is living in California. A 81
ter Mary CoyIe, is living at ST, Cat
crimes home, IN the Southeastern scct
of the city.