The Shasta courier., 1868-01-11
Suicide of Col. Edward McGarry.


at the Occidental Hotel, San Francisco,- on
the Both ult. The following particulars are
| from the Alta:
The many friends and acquaintances of
Edward McGarry in this community were
shocked on learning this morning of his
having committed suicide The rash deed
was done in the room temporarily occupied
| by him in the Occidental Hotel. The in
strument used was a tbree-bladed pocket
knife, and with the largest blade he commit
| ted the fatal act, plunging it into his throat
to the hilt, and twisting it around, severed
the carotid artery, and iniicting wound
the orifce of which is at least an inch in cir
cumferenee.
| The body Of the deceased, when discovered.
was lying by the side of hia bed, on the car
peted floor of his apartment, the shoulders
resting on pillow, he head thrown back
with upturned face, and legs bent up, and
knees almost touching the outer side of the
| bedstead. The hands were crooked, and
rested on the person. The deceased was at
tired in his night clothes only.
A succession Of stabs must have been in
ficted, as is evidenced not only by the nature
of the wounds, but by the blood on various
parts of the room-on the walls, on the tin
plate attached to the door-key, on the wash
stand and on articles of furniture. That he
acted with deliberation is manifest from his
having placed the pillow on the floor in such
position as to allow the body to rest easily
upon it. ="
Colonel McGarry had been confined
almost constantly to his room for the last
three days. On Monday he did not leave it.
About half past twelve o'clock, last night,
one of the call boys saw him in bed, and ap-
parently asleep. An hour thereafter the
night watchman, as was his won't, opened the
door of his chamber to inquire if he desired
any attention. McGarry replied, mo,
nothing; I'm all right" This was the last
seen Of him alive by any person. The exact
hour at which he took his life is unknown. f.
No one occupying adjoining chambers wsls
disturbed, although a considerable peripd
elapsed after inficting the first stab, during
which he went to various parts of his room.
When found, at O'Clock in the morning,
by one of the employees of the hotel, the
body had been lifeess some hours The
door at this time was locked on the inside,
and had to be forced open.
On the arrival of the Coroner, the corpse
was undisturbed until thorough inspection
of the apartment was made. The bed
clothes were deeply saturated with blood,
showing that in all probability the unfortu-
nate man first stabbed himself whilst lying
in bed. The body, which presented a
CHASTITY spectacle, was conveyed to the
Coroner's ON Market street, where post
mortcm was had. Edward McGarry was
born in Rochester. New York, and at the
time Ct his tragic fate in the forty eight year
of his age. lie had fewer advantages of
obtaining an early education than fell to the
lot of his schoolboy companions. yet he was
4 always regarded by them as a smart, quick
and bright boy, and brave and honest. lie
early showed preference for military life.
and on the 1st of April, lS47, entered the
service of his country as Second Lieutenant
of the Tenth Infantry, Mexican Volunteers.
lie was promoted to the First Lieutenancy
on the lst of September of the same year.
This regiment was disbanded in August,
1913. lie served on Taylor's line through
cut this war.
In 1850 McGarry came to California. and
shortly thereafter settled in Napa county
lie became quitea politician was an ardent
| Wing, as such elected to the Assembly once,
and as Senator twice or three times from
Napa. His knowledge Of parliamentary law
was excellent, and he was almost invariably
called to the Chair in the absence of the reg
ular presiding officer
On the outbreak of the rebellion Lieute.
nant MeGarry warmly espoused the loyal
cause. He volunteered at once his services
for one of the most arduous campaigns. He
entered the Second Regiment of Cavalry
as Major, and by rapid promotions became
Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel. He was
the hero of the great Indian battle on Bear
river, Utah, fought on the 2Gthsof January,
1868. For gallant and meritorious services,
Colonel McGarry was breveted Brigadier
General of Volunteers, his C, mmission dat
ing from March Is, 1865. Subsequently,
Colonel McGarry served with distinction and
faithfully in Arizona. About the time of
the close of the war he was in command of
Camp Union, in Sacramento.
As Judge Advocate, he presided with
great ability, dignity and impartiality over
the Court martial before which Harpending
and associates were tried and convicted Of
piracy.
Since his return from Arizona, some two
months ago, Colonel McGarry has not been
on active duty in San Francisco, but held
himself in readiness to go where his country
demanded his services
Deceased was man of an ardent and
generous nature, and devote9iy attached to
his friends. His loss will long be mourned
by all who knew him.
u Sr.rp n. r-Op tho al inst Assam