Source: "The Des Moines News (Iowa)"
- Monday 24 August 1914 p 3
E. A. Nye, preacher, writer, lecturer and one of the best known newspapermen of the middle west, was suddenly stricken with apoplexy while in bed at his home, 1951 Arrington Avenue, shortly before 7 o'clock Sunday morning, and died within a few minutes before the arrival of Dr. H. A. Minassian.
Mr. Nye was 58 years old, the funeral will be held at 2:30 o'clock Wednesday afternoon from the Central Church of Christ. The Rev. Finis S. Idleman will officiate. Interment will be made at Glendale in the new addition. The pall bearers have not yet been selected.
Apparently in the best of health, Mr. Nye retired Saturday night after chatting with members of his family. A cousin, Miss Gail Webster of El Campo, Tex., was visiting at the home. On the following morning Mr. Nye arose early but later returned to bed. He made no complaint of feeling ill. A short time later Mrs. Nye, his wife, and Roy, a son, heard a peculiar noise and rushed to his room. Mr. Nye was found gasping for breath. Dr. Minassian was hurriedly summoned, but death had already ensued.
As former editor of the Des Moines News and later as western representative of the American Press association, Nye was prominent in all circles and public work. He was in charge of the editorial department of the News until 1908 when he resigned to accept the position with the American Press.
Mr. Nye was born in Dearborn County, Indiana, June 24, 1856, the son of Rev. J. W. and Maggie Showalter Nye. He received his preliminary education in the public schools and later attending Greenhill seminary also Westfield college and the Indiana State Normal school. He taught school while obtaining his education.
He then entered the newspaper field in Illinois and edited more than ten different newspapers in the west. He purchased a one-third interest in the News in 1897, and came to Des Moines as its editor. He played a prominent part in politics and was a staunch republican. He became identified with various business concerns and was vice-president of the Century Fire Insurance company and a director of the First National bank of Prairie City.
In September, 1878, Mr. Nye was married to Miss Ada F. Lucas at Veedersburg, Ind. He is survived by his widow and two children, Roy L. Nye, and Mrs. W. H. Harrison of Chicago.