Grayson County TXGenWeb

Sherman Register
March 26, 1887

DEATH ENDED HIS PAIN

A Mr. James Phelon, who has been a resident of Denison off and on for twelve years or more, died very suddenly at the P.G. Quinn butcher shop yesterday, in that city.
Mr. Phelon had been absent from the city a month or two, and on returning last week secured several days work from Bob Bunn. He had been in the habit of indulging his appetite for strong drink, but during last week was sober and attentive to his business. Tuesday evening he again became lubricated and during the night became quite sick. A physician was summoned and after an examination it was decided that he was in no immediate danger, suffering principally from the the affects of intoxication. In a few hours he was called in again, as the man showed symptoms of lockjaw or some other violent convulsion. The physician still did not see the necessity of prompt action. However, he had only been gone a few minutes before death had done its work. It is evident that the whole body seemed to be in a state of agony. Death ended his pain at about 10 o'clock yesterday forenoon and his remains were buried in Oakwood cemetery last evening.
The deceased had a wife and several children living in Dodd City, who were telegraphed for, but could not render any assistance.

The Sunday Gazetteer
Sunday, March 27, 1887
pg. 4

DIED
James Phelan, a butcher well known in this city, died Thursday morning in the meat market of P.J. Quinn. He came to Denison last week from Gainesville, and worked a few days for Bob Bunn. He had been drinking hard, and Tuesday evening succumbed to the effects of his excesses, his sickness taking the form of delirium tremens. Doctors Wallace and White were called in, and did what they could for the unfortunate man, but to no purpose. The malady gained strength, and on Thursday morning at 10 o'clock it carried off its victim.
The body was taken in charge by Harriman & Brown, the undertakers, and was buried Friday.
Deceased was a man of about 3 5 years of age, and leaves a wife and 5 children who are said to live in Dodd City, Texas. He was
well known in Denison, having lived here off and on for the past 12 years.