The Washington herald., 1911-12-14

William W. Burhans, sixty-six years
cid, repeater chief at the Washington
office Of the Western Union Telegraph
Company, and we'll known in New York
and Washington newspaper circles, died
Of heart trouble last night, in an ambu-
lance speeding to Casualty Hospital. He
was stricken in a barber shop at 33S c
street northeast shortly after o'clock,
while awaiting his turn for a shave.
Coroner hewitt was notified and later re-
leased the body.
His Busy Career.
Burhans was telegraph operator in
New York State during the late sos, a
short time after the civil war. He gave
up telegraph work to become a member
of the staff OF the Washington bureau
Of the old United Press Association. Mr.
Burhans continued in this capacity for
years, and then entered the employ of
the Western Union Company. He was
named by President Garfield as one of
three commissioners who were sent West
to investigate the condition OF the Cali
fornia railroads then being constructed.
Mr.. Burhans left the office OF the
Western Union Company yesterday and
on his way home stopped at the barber
shop of Vincent Trivelli. Third and C
streets northeast. Trivelli was busy
with customers, and Mr.. Burhans
took n seat to await his turn. Persons
in the shop. say they noticed Moth
ing unusual in his manner, until he
jumped to his feet, grasped wildly for
support. and fell unconscious
The ambulance of Casualty Hospital
was summoned by telephone and Gus
toners in the barber shop tried first-aid
remedies in an effort to restore Burhan's
senses. Attempts to revive him were
made as the ambulance sped to the hos
pitaL Mr.. Burhans died on the way.
William w. Burhans. jr., a son, tele-
phoned TO the hospital late last night
that the body would not be moved until
to-day, pending a decision by members
Of the family regarding the funeral ar
rangements.
Popular with Associates.
Since entering the employ Of the West
ern Union Company Mr.. Burhans' serv-
ices had not been continuous He had
held positions there at different times.
recently being given the position Of re-
peater chief. He was extremely popular
with his associates, and was also we'll
known all over Washington.
At one time he was associated with
Walter Phillips and Gen. II. V. Boynton
in newspaper work here during the first
administration OF Cleveland. Funeral
services have not been arranged, but
probably will be held on Saturday morn
ing
Mr.. Burhans leaves a widow and four
sons-David r. Burhans, a telegraph op-
orator; Fred NJ. Burhans, a stenographer
in the War Department; William w.
Burhans, jr., a pressman on a Washing
ton newspaper, and Charles r. Burhans,
clerk In the Commercial National Bank
He also leaves a daughter. Mrs. ]. Milton
Reilly.
Answers LincoIn's Call.
Mr.. Burhans was born in Bethlehem.
Albany County, n. Y, and while a boy
went to New York City, where he learned
telegraphy. At the outbreak OF the civil
war q call was made for telegraphers,
and Mr.. Burhans, then only sixteen years
old, was unable to enlist. Three years
later, however. he entered the Union
ranks as telegraph operator. and served
during the last part of the struggle.
He was charter member of the Gridi-
ron Club and also a member of the Teleg-
raphers' Mutual Benefit Association. Mr.
Burhans came to Washington for the
first time in 1872, as manager OF the At
lantic and Pacific Telegraph Company,
with offices in the Metropolitan Hotel
In 1880 he accepted a position with the
Associated Press, leaving to enter the
service Of the United Press in 1888.