Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1921-03-30
JAMES CARDINAL GIBBONS DEAD
Was Born in Baltimore In 1884, Hay-
ing Attained 87th Year.

Baltimore, March 24-James Car
dinal Gibbons, archbishop Of Balti-
more and priinate of the American
Catholic church, died at the arch
episcopal residence here to-day after
prolonged illness, which mainly >af-
fected his heart. He was In his 87th
year. The end came peacefully at
11.33 o'clock.
Cardinal Gibbons, who had been
showing pronounced signs Of i'm
provement in health ever since his
return home. about January /, last,
from Union Mills, Md. where he was
taken seriously Ill early in Decem-
Der, suffered relapse on Palm Sum
day, soon after returning from an
automobile ride. The sudden change
Of weather had depressing effect
upon him. His fainting spells, re-
turned, and when he was put to bed
1t vas realized by those closest to
him that he probably never again
would arise.
Cardinal Gibbons physicians said
repeatedly in the earlier stages Of
his illness that he was sound, organ
ically, as could be expected in a per-
son OF his age, but that he suffered
from the effects Of his age and from
fatigue that resulted from the prod
igal expenditure Of his energies in
the performance of his duties as SEN
ior prelate Of the Catholic church in
this country.
Although not Of robust build. the
cardinal enjoyed remarkably good
health, and his close associates Of
ten marveled at his capacity for
work, his tireless industry and re-
cuperative powers. But about six
months ago a change began to be no.
ticeable. He grew thinner, became
less active in his movements, and
other signs Of breaking up appear
ed. AS member of his household
expressed 1t, "his endnence seemed
to grow old suddenly"
Nevertheless the cardinal continu-
ed his daily routine, interrupted only
by visits away from home to church
functions, the most notable of these
being the Pan-American mass at
washington on Thanksgiving Day.
He was suffering from a cold, but
apparently felt no Ill effect from the
trip, and a short time. afterwards
went to Emmittsburg, Md, to partic-
ipate in religious celebra ton,
where he again exhibited symptoms
OF weakness. Then, in pursuance of
plan for rest, the cardinal went to
the home Of his lifelong friends,
the Shrivers, at Union Mills, where
he had spent many of his holidays.
particularly his birthdays. Instead
OF staying there only few days, as
he had originally intended, 1t was
full month before his medical. ad
visers deemed 1t prudent to permit
the journey home. Twice during his
stay at Union Mills, he collapsed,
and so grave was the crisis that the
last sacraments we're administered
during the first spell.
The attacks Of weakness which
brought realization to the cardinals
household that he was dying began
with cold. While preaching at
Havre De Grace on Sunday, Nov. 6,
after having confirmed $50 children,
he suddenly became faint. but was
able to continue his discourse in a
few minutes. These seizures became
more frequent as time went on, and
usually followed some over-exertion
In the line OF his diocesan duties.
The cardinals mental faculties
we're In no wise impaired by his
physical infirmgties. On the con-
trary. his mind seemed to become
keener as his body grew weaker. He
realized that his end was approa CHI
ing and prepared for it fearlessly.
Beside the cardinals bed stood
every member Of his household, and
when 1t was seen that the distin-
guished prelate had passed away the
priests fell to their knees and began
reciting the prayers for the dead.
kilograms were at once sent to
Pope Benedict at Rome, Monsignor
John Bonzano, apostolic delegate at
Washington, and to every prelate in
the American Catholic hierarchy,
more than hundred in number. in
forming them Of the cardinals
death, as it is expected that most of