Seldom has Whitehorse been so shocked as on last Saturday evening when, shortly after 3 o'clock, the news hastily spread over town that Mrs. Roberts, wife of Captain James Roberts, had been found dead in her bed at her home on Second street. Neighbors had gone to the Roberts home for water and, not receiving any response to repeated knocking on the door, had looked over the transom and seen Mrs. Roberts apparently asleep in bed.
Mrs. Campbell, a near neighbor was called and entered the house only to find its only occupant cold in death.
Drs. Pare and Clarke were immediately called and, after an examination
of the body, agreed that death had been instantaneous and due to the bursting of the main artery leading to the heart. It was evident that there had been no suffering as the face of the dead woman was as peaceful as had she been in natural repose. The doctors agreed that she had been dead probably 18 hours which would make the hour of death about 10 or 11
o'clock, or shortly after she retired Friday night.
The startling news was at once telegraphed to the husband, Captain Roberts of the lake steamer Gleaner, who had arrived at Carcross that morning and was preparing to sail again when the telegram reached him. The White Pass company by whom Captain Roberts is employed, consideratley put a special train at his command and he arrived at Whitehorse over the forty mile stretch of road about 11 o'clock the same night.
The Funeral was held from the Episcopal church, of which deceased was an active member, Monday at 2 p. m., the impressing service being conducted by her pastor, Rev. W. G. Blackwell, assisted by Rev. Burgess of the Presbyterian church. The pallbearers were Messrs. Dan Campbell, C. J. McLennan, W. N. Carmichael, W. Dickenson, W. S. Watson and G. C. Killam. The church was packed with friends of the deceased lady, nearly all of whom joined the cortege to the cemetery.
Mrs. Roberts was born in the parish of St. Peters, Jersey Channel Island, August 18, 1866, and would have been forty five years of age in a few weeks.
She was married to Captain James Roberts on May 1st, 1892, the young couple coming at once to America.
They resided in New York, San Francisco, Seattle, Vancouver, B. C., and other seaport towns, coming North in '99 and moving to Whitehorse in 1902, living here continuously ever since except for ten weeks 18 months ago when she visited one of the captain's brothers for that period in San Francisco.
Mrs. Roberts was one of the best known women in Whitehorse and was very popular, always having a kind word and joke for all with whom she came in contact. She was an ardent church worker and excelled in fancy needle work, the creation of her skilled and nimble fingers always being greatly in demand at all the church bazaars.
Mrs. Roberts had not been well for some time but her energy and activity was such that few knew of her failing health. She never complained and always appeared cheerful and happy.
Her husband and the latter's nephew, Harold Roberts, are the only relatives in this part of the country. Her only other near relative is a sister living in the old country.
The many friends of Captain Roberts deeply sympathise with him in his bereavement. He will return to Carcross tomorrow to take command of his steamer.
