The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1913-02-27
ACTOR LOSES IN
FIGHT FOR LIFE
JOHN n. WILLS. VETERAN COME
DIAN, DIES OF rroMArNE
POISONING.
)DY TAKEN HOME
MUSHROOMS IN CHOP sUEY SAID
TO BE CAUSE OF ILLNESS
THAT MYsTIFIED pHYsr-
CLANS.

John B. Wills, veteran actor. has
lost out In q. fight for life SO remark
able that 1t elected the interest and
sympathy of Richmond physicians,
and the final curtain was rung down
on successful footIight career OF
thirty-ffNe years early yesterday
morning in Memorial hospital. The
body of the actor was taken last night
to WoodhaNef, suburb of New York.
tor iffterment Mrs. Wills and his son
and daughter accompanied It,
Mr. Wills reached Richmond Sun
day night. the 9Th, from Allentown,
Pa, with his company to fill an en-
gagement ut the Lubln theater. APP
parently In the best OF health. Mon
day he had an attack of acute indiges-
ton, but despite the fact that he was
very Ill man. his indomitable will
sustained him In playing at the matt
ness and night performances. Tuesday
he could not leave his bed. and Wed
neaday afternoon was go near death q
door that his transfer to the hospital
was delayed while priest was called
to administer extreme JUNCTION. De-
spite expressed opinions OF attending
physicians that he would not survive
the night he rallied at the hour when
dissolution was expected, and contfn-
ned to hold his own with a fighting
chance for recovery until Tuesday,
whsn complications neceestsated an
operation. This was performed as a
folorn hope. In his weakened condi-
ton recuperation was impossible and
ne sank gradually.
One very remarkable feature of the
actors Last fitness which nnystified the
physicians, was the fact that, though
repeatedly on the border line. he
never for moment los consciousness.
ana was rational to the last. bidding
his loved ones goodbye AS calmly Ave
minutes before death as though he
Death was due to ptomaine poisoning
caused by eating musrooms In chop
suey.
Had Long Career.
John &. Wills was man of striking
physique and unusually handsome
Descended from a long line of actors,
he and ali the members OF his family
were members Of the theatrical pro-
fession, and In his thirty five years be-
fore the footiights he had made mil
lions laugh. In private life he was
n charming gentleman. gentle and un-
assuming. a devoted husband and
father. and very popular among his
profession. He was a native of Bal
tinore. and last Saturday celebrated
his fiftyhrst birthday. He liz sur
yived by his second wife. who, known
this country from England twenty
years ago In Babes In the Woods"
and attained fame In the profession A
daughter and son by his first wife also
suryive--Stella, who. with her hus-
band. Mr.. Hickman. Is filling an en-
gaxement at the Colonial this week.
and Waiter Wills. now with The Red
Miii company, who arrived yesterday
In time to accompany the remains
home. The only other immediate rel
alive is a married sister. who resides
In Portland. Ore. She, too, liz an
actress,
The Wills Musical Comedy COM
pany-~its ranks recruited to supply
the places of the dead manager and
his wife---ta filling an engagement this
week in Petersburg. and viii continue
It's itinerary unfnterruptediy, After a
rest Of a week or 30, Mrs. wills will
retoin the company.