hails, each 50 X 87 Feet. The first floor will be divided into two store-rooms. The audience room on the second floor is well lighted and ventilated, and has a seating capacity of over nine hundred persons."

At this writing (dec. 8, 1894), William L. Hearne, though in his seventy-seventh year, is vigorous and in reasonable health and strength, barring his inability to get around much on account of his fleshiness and rheumatism, that has troubled him some years past. He has lived to see his children all grown and settled in life and business, happily situated, good and useful in their several spheres, and well provided with all that tends to make life desirable.

Feb. 13, 1895, I learn by telegram today that Wm. L. Hearne died this forenoon, at his home in Wheeling, West Virginia, of Pneumonia. Dear good man! I loved him like a brother, and will sadly miss his annual visits.

From the Wheeling Daily Intellingencer, Feb. 14, 1895:

Mr William L. Hearne died yesterday morning at his rooms in the McLure House after a brief illness of pneumonia. He had been ill, or at least in not good health, for about two years, but, considering his advanced age, was remarkably hale until Monday when he was seized with the fatal malady which resulted in his death yesterday.

Mr. Hearne had been for years one of the most prominent manufacturers of Wheeling. Perhaps no name was better known in the country at large as identified with Wheeling industries than was his. He came here soon after the war, and was from that time on actively identified with the leading interests of the community, until within a very few years, when he retired from active life, though

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Thanks to Candy Hearn for transcribing this page.