The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1866-11-12
CORONERs' INQUEsTs.

The Supposed Suicide Of Mr.. SimpsOn-Inves-
tiEntion Before Coroner Cover.
Coroner Cover yesterday held inquest 1t No. ara
Eighth avenue over the remains Of Mr. William simpson,
proprietor Of drug store located the above number
who died Saturday afternoon from the effects Of
dose Of audanum supposed to have been taken for the
purpose OF self destruction Deceased was gentleman
OF excellent character but from domestic unhappness
or other causes he bad become addicted 70 the excessive
use OF intoxicating liquors although for several days
previous TO his death no Ind absained from drink. He
became very Respondent Friday last aud late that
night swallowed quantity OF iaudanum Of which fact
no soon afterwards informed his wife, Below will DO
found copy OF all the important testimony taken Ia tho
case. -
Ann simpson, being duly sworn, dcposed and said
Deceased my husband he had been In tho habit OF
drinking for time but up throe months since he
had been temperate since which time and up to las
Sunday he had been drinking freely since last Sunday
he has not drank any that know Of; Friday he
very despondiag about twelve O'Clock night before last
he came up stairs; was IN bed, which he did not
10 be pleased with; he took n small bottle out OF hts
pocket which contained laudanum and Aid that he
would swallow It; he left mo and came down stairs;
followed him and found tho small bottle OF aud
unlm on tho mantoipiece; put u In mys pocket
and went up stairs; in ten minutes time l 70.
turned and q shelf bottle of audnaum the
table; he said he had taken some out OF tho large
bottle; no lay down tho lounge and to
sleep; went TO bed; between and eight o'clock
yesterday morning came down stairs and found him
s sleeping and In the same position; he was breathing
very hard did not disturb him. about half past twelve
O'Clock found him stll sleeping; then tried TO wake
called one OF the clerks out Of the store he also tried 70
rouse him. but without success about two O'Clock sent
for doctor, and by tho time the doctor arrived which
was at three O'Clock, deceased had just breathed his
last deceased had several occasions. when drunk,
threatened TO destroy himself, but when sober.
William L. Taylor, OF tho clerks In Mr.. Simpson 4
employ. deposed TO having his attention called to tho
condition OF deceased about two O'Clock ON Saturday
aliernooD by Abram drlgss also clerk for Mr. slmp'
breathing very aborousiy and pulse very feeble. The
witness Immediately started for physcian, but before
aware that deceased had taken laudanum until hc
turned from dinner; tho witness says concluded
by himself and the other clerk TO go for a doctor.
Mr. Griggs testified that at nine o'clock Saturday
morning Mrs Simpson told him that during tho pre-
v!ous night deceased Attempted TO drink audanu on,
Of small bottle but she knocked u out Of his hand
before no could drink any and also said that he had not
The case was then submitted TO the Jury who rendered
tho following verdict :-"Tha William simpson, the
deceased came to his death by taking dose Of
laudanum tho 10Th day Of November. 1893"
Mr. simpson was fory-sx years OF age and native oil
Scotland.
Found In the Wnter-saspIcion Of Foul Play.
Last Tuesday evening Francis McAlcer, man about
twenty-five years OF age suddenly disappeared from hs
home and by his friends. Yesterday
morning ocer Pet,it OF the sixteenth precinct found
the romans OF McAlsor floating in this dock foo, Of
Twenty sixth street. North Coroner Cover
notified and caused the remains To b removed from tho
wstsr. after which rumors were In circulation 10 the
effect that McAssr had boon assaulted byopersons with
whom be bad been II snmity and then thrown over
hoard. On making inquiries u appeared that
deosssed and acquaintance hsd had . mis-
understanding concerning . young to whom
both we're very partial, the rcJalt being . quarrel.
Some Of the friends Of deceased wcre subsequently
cautioned against letting him appear In the neighbor-
hood Of Tenth avenue and Twcny.tbird street,
tain parties had threatened 10 az him f they caught
him there Tho romans, by consent Of the Coroner,
removed 10 the residence OF d~ceascd's brother
No 2o8 West Sixteenth street. where they partially
examined by Deputy Coroner John Beach. N. d. some
m
aud head; but whistler received before asr death
remains to be- determined. post norton examination
and An inquest will be held the body to-day. The
body was Tar adj ancef n decomposition