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The SIMCOE REFORMER
I. W. McPHERSON MEETS DEATH ALONE IN HOUSE
Real Estate Broker's Death Had Occurred Friday Morning
ASPHYXIATION BY GAS WAS THE CAUSE
Had Gone to House to Inspect Repairs When He Was Overcome by Fumes
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The people of St. Thomas were shocked Saturday evening to hear the sudden news of the death of I W McPherson , real estate and insurance broker. Mr. McPherson was found dead ate in the afternoon in a vacant house owned by him at the corner of Isabel and Prince Albert streets. His death was due to asphyxiation from gas escaping from the main at the point where connection is made to the stove.
Mr. McPherson's body had evidently lain in the house since Friday morning, but the fact that he had intended going on a business trip to Detroit caused no apprehension as to his safety on the part of his relatives until Saturday afternoon. It was known that Mr. McPherson had left a note in his office, to be delivered to a client in the eastern part of the city, calling on for a day of engagement he had made, owing to his intended visit to Detroit.
Found by Brother-in-law
On his failure to return on Saturday afternoon, some anxiety was felt and his brother-in-law, Arthur Ayearst instituted a search. The fact that Mr. McPherson had a few days previously asked Mr. Ayearst when he could procure a stove for the purpose of drying out the plaster in the Isabel street house, which was undergoing repairs following a fire, caused Mr. Ayearst to visit that house, with the result that Mr. McPherson's body was found lying in the kitchen, which was filled with gas. It is the belief that Mr. McPherson went to the house Friday morning to inspect the repairs done to it and finding a leak in the gas main had attempted to adjust the trouble when he was overcome.
In Business Here Many Years
Mr. McPherson was born in Talbotville in 1870 being a son of Benjamin and Caroline McPherson, two of the earliest settlers of the district. He received his education at the St. Thomas public schools and Collegiate Institute and when a young business man became identified in a business way with the late Amasa Wood. After Squire Wood's death Mr. McPherson went into business for himself and continued the same until his death. During this time he had handled many of the best parcels of property in the city.
A Great Lover of Horses.
Mr. McPherson had identified himself with many movements looking to the development of the city. He was a great lover of horses and took a leading art in the affairs of the St. Thomas Riding Club, as well as in the horse shows held here a few years agon. Personally he was of an affable and lovable disposition, and possessed many warm friends.
Besides his widow, Mr. McPherson is survived by one siter Mrs. Arthur Ayearst, St. George Street. He was a member of the Rathbone Lodge, Knights of Pythias and of the First Methodist Church.
The funeral which will be private, is to be held on Tuesday afternoon from his ate residence, 17 Elgin street to the St. Thomas Cemetery.
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