Joseph Shelton Dies, Scorns Aid

Death came to Joseph Shelton at 2 o'clock yesterday morning at 1218 Snake River avenue, where he resided with his brother, George Shelton, for the last eight years, ensuing from a series of paralytic strokes in recent months, the last one being less than two weeks ago.

The two brothers lived alone in a one-room place just off the roadway in what is known as "shacktown," and there, despite their ages, both being well past 70, they carried on, asking no favors from any one and denying such aid as could be offered with good grace. All they wanted was to be let alone.

Declined Help.

On last Monday night, the police visited the home of the brothers after word had reached the station that Joseph Shelton was dying, and later County Health Officer J. M. Lyle joined the officers to find out if he could be of service. At first the callers were denied admittance but finally the door was opened by George Shelton and the sick brother was found in another corner of the room. From the start, the brothers let it be known that they were able to care for themselves and that were it not for their neighbors they would have no troubles.

The health officer offered to send the sick man to a hospital.

Shelton died with only his brother in attendance.

Father Founded Shelton.

He was born in Missouri and came west with his parents many years ago, how many could not be learned. The family located between Centralia and Tacoma and there the town of Shelton now stands, named after the father of the man who died yesterday. The brothers owned the land on which they resided here, a lot 100 feet by 160 feet.

Besides the brother here, Mr. Shelton leaves three others, one, William Shelton, being a member of the Tacoma fire department, and two sisters, one being Mrs. Florence Sloan of this city.