The Detroit times., 1910-02-04
AUTOPSY IS FOR
HIS POPS BENEFIT
Thinking Doctors Would Pay for the
Privilege, Dying Lad Urges
Parent To Consent.

NEW YORK, Feb. swim the
autopsy on the body OF James Nc
Neil, aged 90. son OF John Mcneil,
Of No. oil East Eightieth-st., in the
Presbyterian hospital, a remarkable
and pathetic story OF youthful self.
sacrifice became known
Realizing several days ago that
death was near. the boy exacted a
promise from his father that the ply
sicians be allowed to perform An
autopsy. He believed that they would
pay for the privilege and that the
old man" would receive so much
needed financial aid, or at least be
saved the expense OF burying his
son.
James McNeil's health failed about
five years ago and he was sent TO a
farm in Virginia by the Childrens
Aid society OF tins city. After work
ing few months in the fields he be-
came much stronger, and at the end
Of year was about 10 start for home
when he was kicked IN the ribs by a
mule. He was laid up for long time
and then he went 10 San Antonio,
Tex He worked there for four years.
Became ~ After Return.
The bracing air of the prairie coun-
try seemed TO put new life into him,
and he soon developed into a strong,
stalwart youth. But he grew home
sick and year ago began TO save his
money so that he might visit his
pop"
He had read OF the preparations for
the Hudson-Fulton celebration and de-
cided TO come on for a visit. Last
July he started north and celebrated
his twentieth birthday between Gal
weston and this city. His father met
him at the pier and the two held a
reunion by themselves, as the mother
was dead and the other boys were
away.
Soon after his arrival here he corn
planned Of illness and said his heart
hurt him. He seemed to suffer from
palpitation and lost weight rapidly.
In short time he was unable to go
around, and In October he was admit
ted 10 the Presbyterian hospital The
physicians at once diagnosed his all
ment as articular rheumatism. The
beatinEs of his heart were easily dis
cernible through his chest.
The Hudson-Fulton celebration
came and went, and all the boy ever
saw OF il was from pictures in the
papers his father brought him from
day 10 day. The lad never complain
ed and took his confinement cheer
fully. RE said he probably would be
we'll enough by the winter TO get some
skating in Central park, anyway. He
knew, though. that he was doomed,
but he withheld this from his father
until last Tuesday.
Wins Fathers Consent.
When Mr.. Mcneil called that day
the lad took HIS parents hand and
said,
Pop. know / am going to die
soon: in a few hours, perhaps. or at
most couple OF days. Or. James
has been awfully good to me and has
done all he can, but I'm beyond NOR
tai aid. You are out OF work and
haven't much money left from your
savings Now, I'll tell you what |
want you TO do:
After I'm gone let the doctors
perform an autopsy on me- They say
my case Is remarkable one and
maybe they will give you some mon
ey TO let them perform IT, At least
they out to bury me for nothing and
save you the expense. Please prom
ise."
Mr.. McNeil's eyes we're filled with
tears and at first he would not, but
finally when his son insisted he con
sented. but he never said anything ia
the doctors about II. Young Mcneil
died Friday, with his hand In his
fathers.
As Or. Mcneil was leaving the hos
pital. DR. c. irving Fisher. the super
intendent. asked Mr. McNeil's permits
sion to perform the autopsy on his
son for the benefit OF science, and the
father gave Il. He did not ask for
any money and none was offered him,
I'm fact. he would not have accepted
any even II the physicians had been
allowed by the rules TO offer any.
The autopsy was performed by Or.
Cecil. Or Walter r. James OF No.
NJ West Fifty-fourth-st., was present
for the first part OF the operation
The youths heart was greatly eNprg.
ed and II vas considered remarkable
he could have lived sixteen weeks.
the time he was in the hospital, with
the organ in such a condition. The
Children's Aid society will defray
part Of the burial expenses OF the
courageous lad.