Worcester daily spy., 1851-03-28
Shocking Suicide.

most painful sensation was created throughout the
city yesterday afternoon, by the intelligence that an un
known man had at about noon, committed suicide, IN
sight of one of our most crowded thoroughirres, by
shooting himself through the head with pistol The
rash deed was perpetrated about three rods north o.
the old Court House, upon the lot of ground be-
tween that building and Highland street. The deceas-
ed was apparently about forty years Of age, with dark
hair and eyes, the crown Of his head little bald. The
wound inflicted upon the head was so to split
off large portion Of the skull, making deep incision
about two inches in width and extending quite through
from side TO side. Portions Of the brain scattered
to distance Of ten twelve feet. The body was
neatly but plainly aured. wallet was found in the
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bills and about one dollar in silver, but letters pa
pers were discovered which could give any clue the
cause which had led the person to sedestuction. In
the pocket of the vest there plain engraved card
bearing the name of David C. Smith, upon the face,
and upon the back, in cramped hand, the word Hart
ford, in pencil
A Jury of inquest was held upon the body by Coroner
Mathews, which was composed of the following per-
sons Alpheus Merrifeld H. Gouding, 4. w. Tower,
John Boyden Anthony Chase, and WIN. H. Howe at
which the following facts were elicited.'
Mrs. Adeine jackson sworn. Testified that about
ten O'Clock in the morning she saw an unknown man
come up from the direction of Main street, and seat
himself upon the vacant lot the Court House, saw
him there through the forenoon, he had capetbag by
his side and appeared to be fixing something; first
heard Of the suicide alter dinner from Mr. Salisbury
man. believed that the body lying dead that of The
person she had seen in the forenoon sitting upon the
ledge
Mr.. E. II. Sandford, called and sworn. Testified
that as he was passing Mr. Salisbury house at ten min
utes past twelve he heard the report Of pistol aud
he turned the corner Of Ashland street, called
him from the direction of the Court House. saying, that
he thought a man had shot HIMSELF turned back, and
came as the man who called him directed, and about
four rods north Of the Court House, man lying
upon the led e, with bad wound in his head, but
breathing. Near him was an overcoat nicely folded
and a carpet bag Saw pistol then, as his hands
were under him. but after the had ceased to breathe
and was turned over, saw a pistol in his hand.
Gen. Chamberlain testified that he left the Cour
Room in the old Court House at Is minutes past twelve
and as he came down into the passage way met young
man, who said man had been shot just back Of the
Court House. Went to the spot saw Mr.. Sandford and
another man. lnou2ut Dy tue appearance, Lnat the
wound upon the head had been done for minutes
as the blood was clotted upon the ground The man
was still breathing. His hands under him.
Other witnesses testified substantially TO the same
facts, as regards the finding of the body.
P.W. Wait proprietor ofthe Temperance Exchanges
testified that the came to his house between seven
and eight O'Clock on Wednesday evening and register
ed his name as d. C. Smith, Hartford. He made nc
conversation with any He went out in the course
the evening, and returned at IL O'Clock. Before
retiring to bed he asked for tumbler Of warm water
and moIasses, with teaspoon, which was sent to his
ROOM Saw nothing more Of him till morning, at about
8 O'Clock, when he to the Office paid his BILL and
complained of being sick during the night He appeared
quite weak and his voice tembled went to the front
door with him; as he went out he had his carpet bag
in his hand, and enquired where the nearest bar
bers shop; showed him to Mr., Walkers. Did not see
him again until he saw him here. This is the same
CARPET bag and have no doubt the same
Gilbert Walker testified that the deceased came TO
his shop about nine O'Clock, and after taking his seat
called fer glass Of cold water, which handed to
Linn After he went out did not him again until he
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