OBIT: Joseph Dixon PARSONS, 1889, Altoona, Blair County, PA

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A SUDDEN DEATH
Joseph D. Parsons, an Old Citizen, Dies of Neuralgia of the Heart

  Joseph D. Parsons, who made his home with his son, of 411 Third Avenue, 
died suddenly in the office of Dr. C. H. Closson, Howard Avenue between Ninth 
and Tenth Streets, on Saturday afternoon. The cause of death was gina [sic] 
pectoris, or neuralgia of the heart.  About a month ago the deceased suffered 
from an attack of the same disease, at which time he was successfully treated 
by Dr. Closson.  He was not well on Saturday morning before going to work, 
but did go notwithstanding.  It was about half-past 1 o'clock when he came to 
the physician's office and went inside to get some medicine.  While this was 
being prepared by the doctor in the adjoining room a sound as of one gasping 
for breath was heard in the room in which Mr. Parsons was seated.  The 
physician hurried out and, seeing the condition of the suffering man, 
endeavored to administer a stimulant, but it was too late and he died in the 
chair in which he was seated.  As soon as possible Coroner Glenn was notified 
and, proceeding to the house of Dr. Closson, empaneled [sic] the following 
jury, which viewed the remains:  Richard Fowler, John Garrecht, Jacob H. 
Dolby, S. B. Geesey, Joseph B. Benn and Joseph Fogle.  After listening to 
testimony, the jury rendered a verdict in accordance with the above facts.
  Mr. Parsons was born in Sminden [Swindon], England, on July 15, 1826, and 
came to America and located in Philadelphia in 1850, where in the same year 
he married Miss Jane Lawrens.  The result of this marriage was the birth of 
one child, Mr. R. W. Parsons, of 422 Third Avenue.  The exact date of Mr. 
Parsons' coming to this city is not known, but he has been employed in the 
company's lower blacksmith shop ever since, with the exception of two years 
when he was in Illinois.  He was a good workman and well liked by his 
employers and fellow-workmen.  He was a member in good standing of the Sons 
of St. George, and also of the Knights of Labor.  The funeral will take place 
this afternoon at 2 o'clock from the late residence.  Services will be held 
at the house, Rev. Woodle, of St. Luke's Episcopal Church, officiating.  
Interment in Fairview Cemetery.

Altoona Mirror, 7 Jan 1889, page 4, column 2