Death of President William McKinley Quietly Follows Illness
Honorable William McKinley, chief executive of the United States, died at 2:15 a.m. Saturday. His final words expressed humble submission to the will of God, whom he trusted.
14 Sep 1901
Page 1
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Newspaper
Columbus Daily Herald
Location
Columbus, Indiana, United States of America
Date
Sep 14, 1901
Page
1
Honorable William McKinley, chief executive of the United States, died at 2:15 a.m. Saturday. His final words expressed humble submission to the will of God, whom he trusted.
Milburn House Buffalo reports President McKinley died at 2 15 am after hours of unconsciousness. His wife comforted him as he bade farewell, whispering it is Gods will. Autopsy may determine exact cause. Roosevelt to succeed. cabinet to resign. Washington state funeral planned.
Officials describe the final moments as President McKinley died in the death chamber at Milburn House after unconsciousness since 1:30 p.m. Dr. Rixey and a line of doctors were present. Family members and officers gathered around the bed as the life ebbed away. The scene included Abner McKinley and others, with Cortelyou first to announce the death.
As President McKinley neared death, Cabinet members gathered in tears, with Secretary Root Hitchcock and Knox among the first to view him. Mrs McKinley comforted him as he whispered prayers and sang Nearer My God to Thee, then said goodbye before slipping into final unconsciousness.
The scene at the Milburn residence near midnight shows a large gathering of officials, relatives, and clergy as U.S. President Gray battles fading vitality. Secretaries Cortelyou Root Wilson and others keep vigil while doctors project uncertain final hours.
Fragmentary OCR text mentions the Secretary of the Navy and a ceremonial event with unclear names and actions. The readable portion refers to the secretary and a formal proceeding but provides no concrete date, place, or outcomes.
Reports said rumors of McKinley’s death prompted coroner and district attorney to verify facts at the Milburn residence. Coroner Wilson rushed to act after the official death announcement. Gov Durbin ordered Indiana Day celebrations at the exposition abandoned and the Buffalo-bound train released.
The article suggests President Roosevelt will issue a proclamation naming the day of burial and declare a national day of mourning. It notes the White House flag will be half mast as mourning follows the death of the late president.
Washington reports the death of President McKinley at 2:15 AM. Officials including Secretary Hay and Ambassador staff notify Roosevelt and others. A formal proclamation and mourning measures are planned, with messages sent to foreign representatives and consuls worldwide.
Berlin verdict: Sumzynski, bakery foreman, imprisoned six months for defamatory remarks about Empress Augusta Victoria. Also reported: national business failures show 182 in the week, up from 169, with Canadian failures at 16 versus 14 last week.
The article reports Vice President Roosevelt expected to reach Buffalo by noon Saturday amid ongoing national crisis. It notes preparations in the city, mentions Ansley Wilcox's statements on Roosevelt’s anticipated arrival, and describes cabinet expectations and oath procedures after the president’s death.
A stunned crowd gathers on Broad Avenue for a solemn announcement. Mournful marchers move in darkness as a lone figure with dry eyes endures the agony of loss. The military guard is increased immediately after the news.
Washington and Columbus report shows church groups and a Republican state committee pausing politics after President McKinley’s assassination. Women recall his kindness to children at church services while Ohio Republicans cancel campaign kickoff events and suspend political activity.
Miss Mary Simons of Warsaw recounts her Buffalo visit to District Attorney Penny claiming she saw a red flag and crowd shouting two times during McKinley speech before he was shot. She and her sister testified to authorities about the scene and advised not to publish the account.
Fragmentary notes recount a peaceful gathering and muted remarks as the crowd bears witness to a solemn event. Vague references to police, figures, and locals hint at a local scene marked by memory and quiet reflection.
A damaged proclamation pays tribute to Governor Nash describing devotion to the country and calls for prayer and memory on his funeral day. The text requests God’s grace and lasting reverence, urging citizens to honor his legacy and public service.
Fragmentary text notes an encampment closure linked to turmoil and gloom. Mentions “Army” and a convention, with references to Cleveland and September but unreadable specifics.
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