The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-12-22

Colonel Watterson's death was due
to heart failure superinduced by con
gestion Of the lungs. according to ply
sicians. He was conscious for a few
minutes at intervals and thirty min
utes before his death called his wife
into the room and conversed with her
After a few words with Mrs. Wat
terson, the son and daughter were
summoned. Members of the family
sa d his death was peaceful. Colonel
Watterson having lapsed into uncor-
seriousness again few minutes before
he passed away.
Keep Body in Jacksonville
The body of Colonel Wattersou viii
be held in Jacksonville until spring
and then taken to Louisville for final
interment, according to announcement
here this afternoon by members of the
family.
The body Of the famous American
newspaper writer and publisher will
be placed in vault if one can be
secured.
If not, it will be inferred.
This, 1t was said. was "Marse
Henry's'' last wish.
Death Unexpected.
Col Watterson's death was unex-
pected, tho it had been known for
some days that he was ill.
The veteran>pub1isher had been here
six weeks, as was his custom on his
annual trips to Florida. He has Tor
many years been spending his wiz
ters largely at Fort Myers and II was
his intention to go to that place when
his condition improved sufficiently 70
take the trip.
Col Henry Watterson was one OF
the last of the picturesque Journalists
of the old school He was a wrIte-
whose opinion carried tremendous
weight and his editorials were widely
copied.
He was born in Washington, D. c..
in February. 1870. He studied music
early in life. but an accident to one
of his thumbs stopped his progress ia
that direction and he began his writ
ing career. He served with the Con-
federate army thruout the Civil war.
At the close of TIE Civil war. Wat
terson revived an old newspaper at
Nashville. Three years later he went
to Louisville and was soon one of the
owners and editor of the Louisville
Courier Journal, with which publica-
tion he remained affiliated the rest Of
his life
Col. Watterson was a vigorous sup
porter of the allies when the world
, war started in 1914. So scathing were
he was denounced in some quarters,
but he stuck firmly by his guns.
l. Colonel Watterson also was an op-
ponent of the League of Nations He
served one term IN congress and later
was often urged to run for high Of
fices but steadfastly refused. altno he
was active in politics. He did not
support Bryan in 1896. but in 1903 he
! was one of the commoner's warn4est
champions.
Washissgton Nourns 'sMarse HenFy. -
Washington, Dee. 22.-News OF the
death of Col. Henry Watferson. known
and beloved by thousands of Wash
| ingtonians Of this and other genera
tions, came as a profound shock %
the national capital today.
On every SIDE as the news Of the
death Of "Marse Henry" becarne .
known were heard expressions of Eor-
row and regret at the passing or this
/ famous figure from the political life
of America. coupled with, expressions
of admiration for the fearless manner
! in which he had always welded his
editorial pen.
! Word of Colonel Watferson's death
was at once commun5 Gated 10 fno
1 White House and also to the home OF
| x-President Wilson in S street.