Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1875-01-01

The Rev. J. n. Coombs, pastor of the West
ern Presbyterian Church, Washington, COM
mitted suicide on Sunday morning last, whilst
his congregation were waiting for his appear
ance in the pulpit. The cononer's jury in the
case returned verdict that '.the deceased came
to his death by cutting his throat with pair
of razors, held in his own hand, while labor
ing under a paroxysm of insanity" The
Star says:
hasty examination was made, showing
five distinct wounds by the throat, and it was
apparent from the appearance of the room that
the first wound was given in his own room
and he then made his way to the bath room
where he finished the work One of the razors
was badly hacked.
On Saturday evening some gentlemen who
had seen or heard Of the occurrence in relation
10 the theft of the book suggested that some of
Mr.. COomhs brother ministers should call on
him, and DR.. Sunderland went up to see him.
Mr.. COomhS on being asked as to the truth
funcSs of the reports. said apparently in bro
ken spirit: 1T Is too true. have been
caught taking a book from booksellers
don't know why did it, for had money to
pay for it, lat the same time showing that he
had UPWARDS of $50 in his pocket. He further
said to DR.. :. that ii was too bad, and he
could not meet his congregation on Sunday.
On Saturday after the occurrence, and on
his return TO Mrs. Cathcart's. he appeared to
ne very much depressed, and in conversation
with her said This is very short and brief
life, and so unsatisfactory" Mrs. c. attempt
ed TO cheer him, and inquired why life was
unsatisfactory, and he replied: 1T is so full
OF sorrows.' He did not, however say any
thing to Mrs. c. about the occurrence.
1t Is apparent that the deceased had been la
boring for many years under this kleptomanc
luhrmity. We are Informed by Il leading city
bookseller that some six years ago Mr.. CoombS
was detected taking books from his store. He
was followed to his house and charged with
the deed, whereupon he fell upon his knees
and begged for mercy, asking God to forgive
MIN, also, in the most excited manner. His
piteouS appeals for silence were acceded TO on
condition that he would return the different
books he bad taken, and he sent back some
twenty volumes
Mr.. Coombs was about forty-seven years of
age, native of Loudon county, Virginia, and
was educated al Dickinson College, Carlisle,
Pa, and after graduating was received into
the Baltimore Annual Conference of the NJ. E.
Church, in which, after serving on several cir
cults and in charge of several churches, he was
assigned 10 Rylard Chapel. and then to Union
Chapel, in this city. Over fifteen years ago
hrs mind underwent change as to religious
belief. and he Joined. the Preshy terrain Church,
and was placed in charge of the Western Pres
byterian Church. Of which he remained pastor
to the time OF his death. AS a minister he
was remarkably successful, and he possessed
the love and respect not only of his own con-
gregation but of all who had the pleasure of
his acquaintance.
At II meeting of the ministers of the NJ. E.
Church in this city to-day resolutions were a
dopted regretting the untimely death of Mr..
Coombs, and expressing sympathy with his
family and entire confidence in his lifelong in
tegrity and purity of character, also approving
the verdict of the Coroner's jury, of suicide
while suffering from paroxysm Of insanity.