Smyrna times., 1907-01-02


bor in September. He never entirely
recovered from the effects of the at,
tack, and when he returned to Phila-
delphia he remained for several weeks
at his country home in Haverford be-
fore he resumed his arduous duties in
connection with the management of
the railroad and its allied interests.
He was much improved by the rest,
and early in October he began going
regularly to his Office, but shortly af
terward he was again stricken, having
contracted heavy cold. At that time
it was denied that his condition was
serious, and there was no intimation
that he was suffering from any heart
affection. During November he was
sufficiently recovered from his illness
to resume his visits to Broad street
station, and he continued attending to
important matters until his birthday
December 8. On that day he was 67
--f'sssrs of age, and. after celebrating the
event with his family he never re-
turned to his duties at the railroad of.
fees. Again it was reported that he
was in serious health. but this was
denied, and it was stated that he was
suffering from a slight cold and was
giving attention to only such import
ant business matters as were brought
to his attention.
Died In a Chair.
Mr.. Cassatt spent much of his time
driving. and he was out as late as last
Monday. Subsequently he was known
to have been confined to bed at his
residence at 202 West Rittenhouse
Square, but even then his condition
was not regarded as alarming. While
not feeling entirely well, Mr. Cassatt
arose from his bed. \but remained in
his room. He seemed to be in good
spirits, and his family was not alarmed
about his condition and had no thought
OF his death. While sitting in a chair
in his apartments. he suffered an
acute heart attack and became uncon-
scious. His wife and his daughter.
Mrs. w. Plunkett Stewart. WERE with
him, and his private physician DIR. J.
II. Musser. was summoned, but he was
dead when the physician arrived. DR..
Musser said that death had been al
most instantaneous.
The news of Mr.. Cassatt's death was
at once telephoned to Broad street
station and was flashed through the
financial and business sections of the
city, causing much astonishment. since
the public and even his closest bust
ness associates were given to under
stand that he was not seriously i'll.
Grief at Railroad Offices.
The announcement of Mr.. Cassatt's
death caused grief to every official and
employe in the Pennsylvania railroad
Offices. with whom he was most popu-
lar. The sudden death of President
Cassatt caused a great shock in the
executive Offices of the Pennsylvania
railroad. and for time business was
practically suspended His condition
had not been thought such as to sug-
gest any definite arrangements for the
succession to the presidency, and the
board of directors will not meet to
transact official business until after
the funeral, for which arrangements
have not yet been announced.
ihS opCl dtlOH VI tue IdiiTDdQ IN Lle
last year is said to have had much to
do with the breaking of Mr.. Cassatt's
health. He had Just gone to Europe for
a rest when the sensational develop
ments In the interstate commerce COM
mission investigation of rebates
brought him home and he threw him
self into the breach in an effort to
bring about an amicable settlement
of the questions at issue. Deprived of
his rest abroad, he plunged into rou-
tine work until he went to Bar Har-
Dor, where in his over-worked state he
contracted whc'oping cough.
Aside from being the head of the
Pennsylvania railroad. Mr. Cassatt
was president of six other companies
and director in 23 concerns. prsnci
pally transportation companies. banks