"The fact was made known yesterday morning of the death of Antonio DeOrnellas, living just north of the city, and from what can be gleaned from members of the family it appears that Mr. DeOrnellas had been sick for the past year. Last Saturday he made a trip to this city and before he reached home became so chilled that his wife had to work with him considerably before she got him back to his original health. Wednesday evening he retired as usual at 9 o'clock and after partaking of some nourishment went to sleep apparently in as good health as usual. During the night he arose and his wife becoming alarmed at the length of time he was gone, got up and went in search of him. She found him kneeling by a chair, dead.

At the suggestion of one or two members of the family a coroner was summoned to investigate and an inquest was held yesterday at noon. The investigaation would not have been necessary under ordinary circumstances, but rumor was current that there had been some kind of a quarrel among the other members of the family and it was thought best that an investigtion should be held. The coroner, Henry McDonnell, and a jury were summoned and took the testimony of Antony Nunes, son-in-law of the deceased.

He testified that he saw the deceased Sunday and again the following Tuesday. He appeared sick, though he was talkative. He complained of pains in his stomach. He talked some time upon money matters in which the two were interested, but there didn't seem to be any family affairs troubling him, he didn't see the deceased again till after his death.

Frank Murgatroid, living a short distance away, testified substantially to the same thing. He stated that he had never known of any trouble in the family.

Jacob DeOrnellas, son of the deceased, testified that he was at his father's residence about 9 o'clock Wednesday evening and that at the time his father was in bed and complained of illness. Mrs. DeOrnellas, wife of the dead man, stated that she had made a trip to town with him Saturday, and when they returned he complained considerably of being cold. A few hours before his death he appeared in good spirits and was quite communicative, but he made the statement that he didn't think he was long for this world. During the night he complained of getting worse and rose, as before stated, and was found kneeling by a chair dead.

Dr. McLaughlin was sworn, and after making an examination of the body, said that he was of the opinion that from the history obtainable, and the testimony given, that the exposure to which he had been subjected, and the inability to resist that exposure, also the general weakness, were the factors which conspired to bring about his death. These factors no doubt caused paralysis of the heart, the system being run down by long ennervation.

In accordance with the above statement the jury rendered the verdict that the deceased came to his death by natural causes incidental to old age.

Mr. DeOrnellas was 81 years of age and has lived in this country 43 years, having come here from the Island of Madeira with the first Portugese who were exiled. He has been living north of the city for the past 30 years and before that time he resided on West Railroad Street. He is said to be worth between $35,000 and $40,000 and possesses five farms, two of which he purchased less than a year ago. The funeral will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday from the United Purtuguese Church."

Note: He was buried on 17 Nov 1894 in Jacksonville, Ill., in Jacksonville East Cemetery in Morgan County, Illinois.