Evening star., 1933-03-13
FRENCH STROTHER, /
HOOVER AIDE, DIES.
Nationally Known Editor,
Writer and Author Expires
After Brief Illness.


French Strother, administrative as
sistant and literary secretary to Presi-
dent Hoover for three years, died at
Garfield Hospital early this morning
after brief illness. Mr.. Strother con-
tracted cold about 10 days ago which
became worse during his exposure on
Inauguration day, developing into
pneumonia last Saturday.
His widow was with him at the time
Of his death. Arrangements have not
yet been completed for the funeral, but
the body tonight will be taken to Mr..
Strother's home in Garden City, Long
Island. N. Y. Burial probably win take
place Wednesday.
Planned Return Home.
Mr.. Strother, who was nationally
known as an editor, magazine writer
and author. had planned to move away
from Washington last Tuesday and re-
turn to his old Garden City home and
resume his literary career. His illness
prevented this, and when his condition
grew worse and pneumonia developed
he was hurried to the hospital and
rallied.
Mr.. strother was born in Marchall
Mo-. 49 years ago, and when q boy
moved with hts family to Fresno, Calf,
where he received an education In the
public schools, and where he started his
writing career. He became q reporter
on the Fresno Republican in 1902. and
after two years Of reportorial work he
came East to seek his fortune in the
newspaper field. Soon afterward he
joined the writing stan Of Worlds
Work magazine, where he attracted
the recognition Of the late Walter
Hines Page, the editor, who afterward
was Ambassador to Great Britain during
the World War. In 1907 Mr.. Strother
went to San Francisco, Calf, to become
one Of the editors Of the California
Weekly. In 1909 he served as one Of
the executives In the office Of the State
superintendent Of instruction at Sacra-
mento. Cslif. serving in that capacity
for more than . year. when he rejoined
the writing stan Of Worlds Work. He
was one Of this magazines leading
writer's on national affairs, and was its
principal interviewer Of prominent men
Of the day. He was appointed managing
editor In 1918. and served in that I'M
portant office for 10 years, until he was
made one OF the associate editors. In
1926 he relinquished his editorial work
to devote his time to book writing.
Among some of the books by Mr.
Strother are Fighting German Spies.
"All in q Lifetime" Il Was Sent to
Athens" and Maid Of Athens" The
last named is q novel written by Mr..
Strother after resigning as literary sec
retary to President Hoover In 1881.
Drafted by Hoover.
President Hoover drafted Mr..
Strother from his editorial desk In the
Worlds Work ofiice to become his
literary assistant a week or SO after he
became President in 1929. In this
capacity Mr.. Strother had a most in
innate and confidential relationship
with the Chief Executive. His prin-
cipal duties were in connection with
research work, gathering material for
speeches and other public papers to
be written by the President.
Mr.. Strother was Of great assistance
to Mr.. Hoover in organizing the Presi-
dents Conference on Child Health and
Welfare and assisted him in various
other welfare undertakings.
After serving in this capacity for two
years, Mr.. Strother yielded to the call
of his profession and resigned his post
at the White House to 60 back to
writing. A year later. however. the
President redrafted him and ne re-
President up untIl che end Of the lat
ter's term
Mr.. Strother was . trustee Of the
fund for the Walter Hines Page School
Of International Relations at Johns
Hopkins University. He was a member
Of the Players and Butch Treat Clubs
Of New York and Of the Cosmos Club
of this city.
While living in Washington Mr.
Strother resided at 29l4 Forty-fourth
street.
Relatives Surviving.
Besides his widow he Is survived by
son. E. French Strother. 10; four
brothers and two sisters, Albert F. of
Kansas City. Mo-; Henry r. of Brook
lyn, N. Y; Judge George Sydner
Strother of Fresno Calf, and Walter of
San Francisco, and Miss Nell and Miss
Pearla Strother, both Of Fresno.
Mr.. Strother made many friends
while In Washington and he was looked
upon as one Of the most beloved and
popular Of those identified with the
last administration. His last impor-
tant literary work was his intimate
story about President Hoover and the
Hoover administration, published three
weeks ago in the New York Times.
EXPRESSES REGRET.