The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1909-05-15
DEATH OF
 DOTEN WAS
 UNEXPECTED
He Had Been Coroner for Fairfield County for All most Score of Years Was Lawyer and Yale Man,

Charles A. Doten. coroner for Fair field County for the past 19 years, died suddenly at his home. 251 West Ave nue, about 2:3O o'clock this morning, from oedema of the lungs.
 MT. Doten while in his offices at the County Court House yesterday, was seized with slight attack of heart failure. but was revived sufficiently to be taken to his home by Medical Ex- aminer Dr. F. B. Downs, who happen ed to be with the Coroner. MT. Doten revived for a time after reaching his home, but it was again noticed that his heart was giving out. Several consultations of physicians were held, but nothing could be done.
 Coroner Charles A. Doten was born in Sheffield, Mass, February 8, 1850, being a lineal descendant of Edward Doten, one of the, Pilgrims who land ed at Plymouth Rock from the May flower, and on his mothers side is a a direct descendant of Major John Mason, who commanded the Colonial forces during the Pequot Wars. When but 6 boy, he came to this city with his parents and after receiving his early training in the public schools here, entered Yale Law School. Com pleting his course at that institution he entered Columbia University, New York, where he finished his chosen field.
 He was admitted to the Fairfield County Bar, June 12. 1872. Opening considerable practice by his intellect pality and strict attention to business. Becoming engaged with Attorney Esu- gene B. Peck, under the firm name of Peck & Doten, his influence was felt all over the city. His marked abiI- ity won recognition from the Repub1i- can party, with which he had always been associated. He served as city attorney under Mayor John L. Vessels during the years of 1879 and 1880. His ability in conducting the legal end of the city's affairs won for him the po- sition of deputy judge of the City court, he being associated with Judge A. B. Beers in 1881. His continued choice brought about his appointment to the office of coroner in 1890, after the death of Frank L.. Holt, whom he succeeded. Coroner Doten officiated in a number of very important cases. The tact and precision with which he conducted his important office won the confidence of the medical examin- CTS of the county.
 The funeral SereviceS will be held at his home in West avenue, Monday ev- ening at 8 o'clock, Rev. Henry Ha1lam Tweedy, rector of the South church, of ficiating The remains will be taken to the home of his birth, Sheffield. Mass, Tuesday morning. Coroner Doten was a bachelor. He is sur vived by an aunt in Sheffield and a sister-in-law and niece in Pittsfield. He was a well known figure about town, being considered an all around good fellow. He was a member of the Algonquin Club, the Seaside Out ing Club, and Corinthian Lodge, F. & A. M.
 At the death of the coroner the functions of the office lie in the ex- aminers in each town, in which places the need of coroner may occur. The office is an appointive position the power being in the hands of the Su- perior and Supreme Courts of the state, on the recommendation of the States attorney. The selection takes place at the annual meeting of the judges in June, and covers period of three years. The appointee must be lawyer.
 Coroner Doten's last official act, it is believed. was the appointment of Dr. c. H. Sherwood of Wilton as the Medical Examiner of that town. Cor oner Doten said, during the week, in a conference with Sheriff Sidney E. Hawley. that he would ask Dr. Sher- wood to accept the position. The mail this morning brought a reply from Dr. Sherwood, which it is believed is his a