text:  <unk> lost a close election to Republican William S. Taylor . When the General Assembly 's session opened on January 2 , 1900 , the election results were immediately challenged . With Democrats in control of both houses of the Assembly , the results seemed sure to be reversed . The Assembly was still <unk> on January 30 , 1900 , when <unk> was shot by an unknown assailant as he entered the state capitol building . The following day , as <unk> was being treated for his wounds at a local hotel , the General Assembly <unk> enough votes to give him the election . He was sworn into office from his bed the same day . Three days later <unk> died , never having risen from the bed . 
  