The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-03-10
JOHN H. KANE DEAD
Former Local Newspaper
man Succumbs at Hospi-
tai After Extended Illness

John H. Kane, dean of Bridgeport
newspaper reporters, and one of the
best known residents of this city, died
at 10 o'clock this morning at st. Vim
cents hospital. His death, expected
almost hourly for the last two weeks,
terminated a long siege of illness dur
ing the latter stages of which the
veteran newpaperman realizing :he
futility Of his struggle, often express
ed the wish that his illness might
come to a close. When stricken with
his final illness, Mr.. Kane was con-
nected with the Bridgeport Telegram.
though during his long and useful
other local papers.
johnny Kane, as his familiars
were wont to address him, was born
in Arch street, the son of the late
Patrick and Catherine Kane, on June
tinction in the Ninth Connecticut
regiment. He was educated in the
public schools, and after spending
two years in the Bridgeport High
school entered the Bridgeport Even
ing Farmer. He learned the compost
on the Farmer on completing his ap-
premiership. Then he went to the
Bridgeport Post, ard after another
year as compositor he forsook the
for the editorial depart
ment. From 1887 to 1898 he worked
as a reporter for the Post. Then he
went to the Morning Union, where he
remained for two years. Thence he
went with the Morning Telegram
Union, and afterwards returned to the
Post, where he remained until the
divorce of the Post and Telegram In
crn n
that time hel has been connected with
the Bridgeport Telegram.
Mr. Kane's assignment was almost
invariably the City Hall, and the poll
tical news that centered about the
headquarters of the city father. AS
became confidant OF most Of the
leading men in public life. Conserva-
tive, accurate and painstakfng, he was
an indefatigable and dependable
newsgatherer. For eight years prior
to his illness, he was the official re-
porter of the Common Council.
Not a man of signal prominence in
Bridgeport for the last quarter of
century missed the pleasure of the
acquaintance of Mr.. Kane. His in.
variable geniality and good humor
made him always welcome. His deep
appreciation of confidential relations
formed with men in public life won
him the trust of all with whom he
had dealings. It was often said OF
him that he knew as much of the in
side workings Of local politics as any
person in the city. yet he had never
closing information impaired to him
under the seal Of confidence. Men
such as the late P. T. Barnum. the
late Nathaniel Wheeler, the late Will
liam D. Bishop. and scores of lesser
notables entertained the warmest
friendship for Mr.. Kane. and he was
always welcome either at their offices
AS newspaper men. Mr.. Kane
ranked among the first in the State.
He was a prodigious worker, with
keen news instinct and facile express
sion He was never at loss for a
story. Whenever news was dull.
the chief would look to Johnny to
unearth an interesting happening and
rarely did the reporter fail to supply
the want.
Never blessed with robust health,
Mr.. Kane was stricken with pieurisy
eight years ago and his constitution
was seriously impaired. Though he
remained as active as ever in news
paper work, his health gradually fall
ed. He made trips to the Berkshires,
to Bermuda, and last to Aiken, S. c.,
pursuing the phantom of his former
vitality, but when he returned from
South Carolina year ago last New
ears, ne was ob1Sed 10 take TO MS
bed
Mr.. Kane was member of the
Knights Of Columbus, the Fraternal
Order Of Eagles the Benevolent Or
der of American Tigers and the Sons
of Veterans. His fraternal associates,
having a high appreciation of his
qualities, made his long days
and nights of pain as light as possible
by frequent visits and other remem-
brances. For the past fortnight Mr..
Kane has hovered between life and
death and one Of his family has been
constantly at his bedside.
Mr.. Kane is survived by widow,
who was Fannie. the daughter of
Thomas Clancy of this city, and a
daughter, Mildred, aged 13. Two
other children died very young. Sur
viving also are two brothers, Hon.
Patrick. Kane, of 1172 Park avenue,
,ormer judge of the City court, and
now president of the Board of Chari-
ties; Attorney George Kane of SO
Worth street.and a sister, Mrs. Joseph
AZ Goodsell street.