The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1871-11-23
THE ATTEMPT AT SUICIDE.

The prisoner during his confinement has
been allowed to move about the corridor
of the Jail, and has been made as COM
Portable as possible and as free from re-
straint as was In accordance with safety.
On yesterday (Monday) afternoon Mrs.
Curtiss, wife of the sheriff, while watch
ing the prisoner through small aperture,
made for the purpose in the wall dividing
the bed room of the Jail residence from
the cells, observed something in his man
ner which excited her suspicion and in
duced her to watch HIM more closely. She
soon saw him enter his cell and close the
door Fearing that everything might not
be right, she sent for her husband, who
was atathe courthouse on the opposite
side of the street The sheriff immedi-
ately FASTENED to the Jail, accompanied
by Father Scanlan, who had been en-
! gagged in cheering and counseling the pris-
Oner during the forenoon. The two en-
tered the department in which the cells
are located and found that he had disap-
peared and was evidently within the cell.
Everything was silent as Father Scanlan
opened the door, when, on discovering the
true state OF affairs, he threw up his hands
exclaiming "he is gonep Upon the hoor
was the bed as it had lain for several
weeks, and beside it a large pool Of blood.
Hunter was lying upon the bare bedstead
| with his left arm out of sight between the
| sheets. His coat was of. He seemed
unconscious and did not answer when the
sheriff asked, John, what Is the matter
and seemed to verify the fears of those
who had disturbed his plot fortunately in
time to battle it, Receiving no response
to his question, Sheriff Curtiss laid his
band upon Hunters shoulder and shook
him, when he drew q long breath, and
thus gave assurance of remaining life.
Orders were at once given TO bring a sur
geon to staunch the wound, which was
still bleeding. At this suggestion. Hun
ter became thoroughly aroused and beg
ged that no assistance should be brought.
saying, mo, don't call any doctor, want
TO die want to diel Don't save my life
so as to put me on the gallows tomorrow.
/ DIR. j. ]. Smith, however soon arrived and
the wound was dressed and the bleeding
stopped.
The wound was in the left arm, about
three inches above the elbow joint on the
| inside, and was about half an inch in
length. deep incision having been made,
reaching the artery located at that point
After the wound had bean attended to
search was made for the instrument with
| which the desperate attempt at self de-
struction had been mad e, but nothing sx
eert small piece Of glass could be found
This was lying upon the floor of the cell
and was beyond doubt the implement
used. 1t was two inches in length. mar
row and thin, and IN breaking had strange
ly assumed the exact proportions and ap-
pearance OF lancet. 1t was as keen as a
razor. and was an admirable article for
such purpose. 1t is supposed that this
is = portion of one OF three bottles which
Hunter, in ft Of passion, smashed, near
ly q month since. having. undoubtedly,
selected this fragment as suited to the
execution Of the designs sgainst his own
life, which he has long harbored and which
he has often threatened. The following
letter was found ppon his person addressed
to Mr.. s. L. EVeritt, editor of the Akron
| Times;