Question

He [Mr. Summers] made a note on the list he was holding. Then he asked, “Watson boy drawing this

Answer 1

Answer:

I think the best answer would be he died of an unknown illness because Mr. Summers is referring to a man that is Watson. Normally people refer "head" of the family as the man. And since his mother is assumed she's alone, she has a man to do the work. I don't think I explained this properly but I hope it helps! :)