The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1871-05-06
BLIGHTED HOPES.
Poughkecpsie's Romeo and JuIict-Romunfic
story from Hudson River Tcwn.

story from Hudson River Tcwn.
PoUGuKEEPsIE, May 5, 1871.
You have already been informed Of the facts in
the case OF the suicide Of DR.. Curtis Chapman,
young and highly respected physician or this VII
lage; but the fun particulars ae OF sad character
and the surroundings OF such an interesting nature
that cannot refrain from forwarding them in lul.
Dr. Chapman was twenty-five years OF age, ana the
junior member OF the firm OF Raymond & Chapman,
druggists. His father, Mr.. Henry Chapman, is one
Of the most substantial moaeyed men OF the
village On Tuesday last the suicide left his
store at nine O'Clock in the morning, and proceed
ing TO another drug store in the village purchased
an ounce Of prussic acid and left That was the
last seen OF him alive. Not returning at night nor
the next day. his parents became alarmed at his
singular disappearance, and on yesterday, in con-
junction with many Of the young mans friends,
commenced search for him. At three O'Clock m
the afternoon they found his dead body lying in the
struggled considerably In his dying moments, as
his face was bruised and lying downwartls ON the
ground. On his person was found the empty prus-
ter was that lie mad lett his gold watcn ana jcweiry
IN his safe IN the store, and also two letters, which
would explain everything. lie also directed the
finder TO take the sale hey from MS pocket. His
body was at once removed to his fathers residence
There were various causes ascrlbed for the rash
act when the sad affair became known some
stating that his III health hurried him TO grave
report quite likely, but those VINO prolessed 10
know gave out that his business was EMBARRASSED
All specuations, however, were put to rest by
THE FINDiSG OF Two LETTERS
IN his desk, one OF WHICH was strictly private The
otnef referred to his ssSead. In It stated that
business troubles and other things cuused him 10
XII himself He wrote that he loved no one as he
did his only sister, and felt that his father ana
mother had been all 10 him that Il father and
mother could be to q child.
He desired that no services should be h.ld over ms
remains, ami II any We're that no allusion should DC
Aade 10 the manner OF his death. he also desired
10 he buried In pine coffin, ana that his father anu
~iother should moi attend his funeral. He wished
simple stone to be erected over his grave with IN;
name and nothing more inscribed upon it.
1T IS not yet known what the letter which was
directed TO the family contained, oai II is believed
that It's contents refer TO causes other than financial
for Killing himself. gentleman, however, VINO
was Intimate with deceased said that on the day of
his ueatn Dr. Chapman mad note Tor 800 TO pay
THIS could however, have hardly been the cause,
Tor he could have commanded mat amount AT any
time. lie was u temperate young man, OF good
business haUits, and enjoyed a large circle OF &C.
quaintances, who moved In the best society Aud
now comes the most singular part of the matter.
il VIII be recollected that on the 24tn Of February
last Warren T. Shell,
A YOUNG MAN OF PROMINENCE
in Masonic, military and musical circles IN Newburg,
n. y, committed suicide In the Bingham House,
heart. In a letter left behind lie wished
1t understood that the deed was not com.
that he never in his lifetime. He referred
TO his lonely condition IN the world-lather mother
sister and brothers all dead; nobody TO care for him,
&c. He SAID tnat Tor year past he mad suffered
what none could tell but those who mad suffered in
the same way, and minated that DISAPPOINTED
affection the cause or Of the causes leading
to the commission OF the terrible deed He wished
his Masonic brethren 10 take charge OF his remains
and inter them with those of his family az East
Brldgewater Mass, If there was nothing In The
laws OF Masonry To forbid paying the last sad rites
to the remains OF a suicide. Ii this was not done
he cared not what was done with his BODY
The undoubted cause OF Warren +. Shells suicide
was dis appointed love- lie was engaged TO be
married TO young lady who resided in Brookyp
who, but few months previous to his de mise re.
nounced him. He, too, was In every respect fine
young man. and moved In the first circles The
frst the young lady knew Of his death she pick ell up
u morning paper in the house OF friend in Pougl.
keepsle, with the exclamation "Iet us see
WHO Is DEAD OR MARRIED -
The first piece Of news which met her eyes was tile
announcement OF her former lovers suicide she
was III for several days alter. Subsequently she DE.
came acquainted with DIR. Curtis Chapman whose
suicide Is recorded in this article, ana the two be-
coming enamored with each other resolved TO
she paid another visit 10 her POughkeepsie friends
aud while there young Chapman visited her twic,
week. one evening at sociaDe IL was noticed
that he appeared downhearted, when he was IN a
vivaclous manner
TAKEN TO TASK FOR IT.
one OF his male friends haunting INN, ioknpIy OF
being jealous OF some gentlemen who were fiirtiny
with the lady spoken OF. The taunt spoken In lest;
seemed TO affect him seriously, and from that time
forth he abruptly ceased paying his attentions 20
his aiianced and the match was broken Off aud
nothing more was heard Of him Dy his Pough-
In the paper, which announcement brought ont an
of the above facts. IL Is stated that his parents
objected to his marrying the BROOKLYN lady and IL
IL barely possible that caused him to Kill himself
He was widely KNOWN ana the unhappy terminus.
ton OF his career has caused profound sorrow.