The New York herald., 1871-03-15
A STRANGE SUICIDE.
How a Wealthy Penuri0us Resident of Flat.
bush Shumed Oft This Mortal Coll.

How Wealthy PenuriOus Resident of Flat
bush Shufled Oft This Mortal Coil.
Coroner Jones, Of Brooklyn, repaired to Flatbush,
OF the county towns OF that city yesterday, for
the purpose Of holding an inquest over the body
of singular and wealthy resident OF the latter
place, named Ditmas Duryea. The deceased, who
was ffty-fve years Of age. was native Of Long Is
land, and boasted that his progentors were among
the earliest settlers Of that sandy tract OF Conti
nent. His ancestors came from Holland ana
his father and grandfather fought in the
revolutionary war for the independence OF
the United States OF America. Dltmas inherited
nne farm at Fatbush from his father and cultivated
the land, with fair profit to himself until within the
past few years. when he found that the investments
which his judgment and knowledge Of real estate
and certain stocks enabled him to make was more
remunerative than agricultural pursuits. Arriving
at this sage conclusion he
HUNG UP THE SHOVEL AND THE HOE
and launched his bark upon the sea OF financial
, speculation. His treasure throve Handsomely. HIS
to almost misery meanness, is said to have cSaE.
acterzed his manner and method OF living and
dealing with his fellow men. Neghbors were heard
he could not charge board to his shadow for follow.
ing into his house and seating itself near the dilner
table. But latterly Dltmas took to making too
FREE USE or ALCOHOLIC sTIMULANTs.
SIX weeks ago his wife died: In her own right
Mrs. Duryea possessed piece OF property valued at
Of hers who was in more need Of assistance Than
her husband. Mr.: Duryea being worth about
Sl75 In bonds stock and real estate and child.
less It was natural to suppose that ne would not be
likely with his frugal habits Of living, to run shsrt
OF change during hts natural life. Those who were
acquainted with the deceased say that this cruel
neglect OF him In the will OF his vile preyed heavily
upon his mind. His sister appealed to him and
urged him to be man once more and give up
drinking. He promised to do So and latterly did
attempt to overcome his propensity for liquor, but
he subject to severe nervous attacks he took
veeran ana 0piates, and at times became despond.
ent and
EXHIBITED SUICIDAL TENDENCIES.
His friends and relatives did not suppose, how.
ever. that he would carry into effect any attempt at
suicide. He had said frequently tnat he could swal
low half Q tumbler OF laudanum without injury
For the past few weeks he has been boarding at the
iarm house OF Peter Williamson, old acquaintance
OF his. On Monday morning last he was seen TO
swallow something out OF o tumbler glass, standing
by the sink in the Kitchen, and subsequently
AN EMPTY TWO OUNCE VIAL,
Labelled laudanum, was found there. Deceased left
the house and visited store alter this, where he
mained from about eleven O'Clock until nalf-past
twelve conversing nationally. Suddenly he grew
TO the house at which he was boarding Here ne lay
down on the bed, ana, when asked II he wanted q
doctor, replied in the negative saying that ne would
take Sleep Medical men were summoned, and
everything possible for skill to devise was done to
arouse the unfortunate man, but to no purpose He
breathed his last at halfpast two O'Clock. His pro-
perty Will 20 to his sisters.
The verdict Of the CorOner's Jury was In accord
anCe with tine above facts