contributed by Arlette Keri
Paterson Morning Call, Monday, January 3, 1887, page 1
Sudden Death
John Hindle, Jr., the Well-Known Undertaker, Found Dead in Bed
For several days past Undertaker John Hindle, Jr., complained of being unwell. About half past ten he retired to his room in Dwyer’s Oyster Bay, taking with him a bottle of soda, saying that he would take it when he got up in the morning.
At eleven o’clock Saturday morning Mrs. Dwyer, being anxious to get through with her work early, went upstairs to fix up the rooms. Mr. Hindle’s apartment being near the head of the stairs, she tried to open the door, but found that it was locked. Knowing that it was an unusual occurrence for John to sleep to that time of day, she rapped on the door but failed to get an answer. At half past eight last evening she informed John Dwyer that Mr. Hindle was still in his room. Mr. Dwyer hastened up-stairs and after rapping loudly several times burst in the door and discovered that Mr. Hindle was dead. He then sent word to police headquarters and summoned Coroner Hopson and Dr. Myers. After an examination of the body the Coroner stated that he died in a fit. The bottle of soda water was untouched. Word was sent to his father, Mr. John H. Hindle, Sr., who ordered the body to be taken to his house.
There are few young men in Paterson who commanded more respect from all classes than John Hindle, Jr., and when the news of his sudden death was rumored around town hundreds gathered at the oyster bay. He had been in business for himself the past few years.