He Wasn't A Bum!

© 2017 by Ace Pfotografe. All Rights Reserved - Find A Grave (permission granted)

John Lemuel Vincent, the son of John William Vincent & Mary Ann Rogers, had married MariaMcRobie and was buried at the Elmwood Cemetery at River Grove, IL after dying in the dead of winter at the city cells in Chicago.

Cook Co, Illinois Genealogy - Historical Vital Records

It's easy to think that the man had gone out a tear.....or was just a run-of-the-mill derelict.......but......the truth of the situation was found in the obit....

The Inter Ocean, Mon, 17 Jan 1910

John L Vincent, 40 years old, died suddenly in the Harrison Street police station, where he had gone for medical attention, yesterday afternoon.  Pneumonia is believed to have caused his death.  Vincent went to the police station with Lewis Martin, 24 South Green Street, a friend.  He complained of being ill and Dr C H Wall of the Harrison Street relief station was notified.  Before the physician arrived, Vincent expired.  His body was taken to McNally & Duffy's undertaking rooms, 518 Wasbash Avenue and the coroner was notified.