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Died. Charles Keller Beekman, 72, Manhattan lawyer, publisher of the Social Register; after brief illness; in Manhattan. Theoretically arbiter of what belonged in his magic book, Socialite Beekman was too bored to bother much, left the decisions to one Bertha M. Eastmond, of Summit, N. J.
Died. Ruby Laffoon, 72, genial, old-style Southern politician who, during his term as Governor of Kentucky (1931-35), appointed 11,352 colonels, feuded so hotly with Lieut. Governor (now Senator) Albert Benjamin ("Happy") Chandler that he lost control of the State Democratic machine; of a paralytic stroke; in Madisonville, Ky.
Died. Charles Augustus Stone, 74, co-founder and board chairman of Stone & Webster, one of the largest engineering firms in the U. S., which under his direction built the famed Hog Island Shipyard in World War I, power stations in California, factories in Detroit, skyscrapers in Manhattan, and when public utilities needed funds turned to building holding companies; of pneumonia; in Manhattan.
Died. Dr. James Rendel Harris, 89, Biblical scholar, archeologist, Orientalist, author of more than 100 books; in Birmingham, England. One of the great living authorities on Old Testament history, he also evolved some learned theories in his New Testament research, notably that Christ was in fact a small man, probably only 5 ft. 2 in. tall.
Died. Barthelmeo Durante, 92, immigrant Lower East Side Manhattan barber, father of ebullient Comic Jimmy ("Schnozle") Durante, who flew from Hollywood to be at the bedside; in Manhattan. Persuaded once to see his son perform, Barthelmeo went backstage afterwards. "Well, pop, and how did you like the show?" beamed Jimmy. "Son, let's not get in an argument," growled Papa Durante.