McKinley Funeral Homes

S. presidency. In early October 1898, President William McKinley’s family suffered another tragedy.On Friday, Oct. 7, 1898, his wife Ida’s brother, George D. Saxton, was murdered. The Los Angeles Times reported the following day that “five shots were fired, three of which entered his body … Saxton was unconscious when neighbors arrived, and was dead when the physicians and officers arrived.” By Sunday, Oct. 9, 1898, the president and Mrs. McKinley had arrived in Canton for Saxton’s funeral. The New York Times reported the next day “the homecoming of President and Mrs. McKinley today for the funeral of Mr. George D. Saxton was attended with a most touching and pathetic scene at the Pennsylvania Station. Many people were at the station when the train arrived, and extended the party a silent but sympathetic and reverential welcome.” They were accompanied by Mrs. McKinley’s sister, Mrs. Barber, her husband and sons, John and George Barber and Mr. Webb C. Hayes.“The funeral arrangements were concluded after the arrival of the party. They are to be held from the Barber home at 2 o’clock Monday afternoon, and will be private.” The president did not stay in Canton long, as he was scheduled to visit the Omaha Exposition.The Times went on to report, “The train bearing the Cabinet and other officials from Washington to the Omaha Exposition will arrive in Canton Monday evening, and about 9 o’clock the private car of the President will be attached thereto and he will join the party. Mrs. McKinley, it is not thought tonight will undertake the trip to Omaha, but will be with the President in Chicago.”Solving the murder of the President’s brother-in-law looks to be almost complete even though “the day has brought no new developments in the tragedy,” according to the paper. The accused, Anna E. George, who had been in a relationship with Saxton had been jailed in connection.“Mrs. George remains in jail and has seen...