The Daily Gazette, Sterling, Illinois

February 8, 1926 - Monday pg 5

 JOSEPH DARNELL

Joseph Darnell of Tampico if Found Dead in Hotel Room 

Tampico, Ill, Feb 8 -- (Special) - Joseph Darnell, a well known and highly esteemed retired farmer of this vicinity, died evidently in his bed at the Cooley Hotel in Tampico some time during Saturday night, and was found dead Sunday morning. 

Mr. Darnell had been visiting his son in Galesburg and returned Saturday night.  When he retired to his room at the hotel, where he had made his home for several years past, he complained of feeling very tired. As he did not get up at his usual time Sunday, the hotel ------ attributed it to his feeling unusually tired after his trip to Galesburg.  However, when he still remained in his room at 11 a.m.  Mrs. Morrell Foy, wife of the proprietor of the hotel, became worried and went to his room and asked if he were sick.  No reply being made to inquiries, the door was opened and Mr. Darnell was found to be dead. 

Coroner C. M Frey impannelled a coroner's jury and held an inquest Sunday, the cause of death being stated as heart failure.  Mr. Darnell was over 70 years of age and lived practically all of his life in this vicinity.  He is survived by several children, none of whom live in Tampico. Several years ago Mr. Darnell retired from faming and he has in recent years made his home at the hotel here, desiring to be among his many old friends in his home community, rather than making his home in other places with his children, whom he frequently visited. (Buried in Tampico cemetery).

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