The Morristown gazette. [volume] (Morristown, Tenn.) 1867-1920, 1875-01-06

characterized as a kleptomaniacal
propensity. The fact, too, that his
sermon for the day was open on the
table in his room, with also copy
of the paper in question, induced
some to think that the article might
have struck home to him. while
those who knew him well, are con-
fdent that his rash act is ascribable
to series of troubles, domestic and
otherwise, which he was powerless
to prevent, or bear up under their
weight.
Later.
CONFESSION or HIS TKEFTS
From the Lynchburg cva.) Republican, Dec. 80
There seems to be no doubt that
the main incentive to the deed was
the detection of Mr.. Coombs, who
had previously borne a most unques-
tionable character for integrity as
man and usefulness as a minister,
in the purloining of book from the
shelves of book store in Pennsyl-
vania avenue. At the inquest held
yesterday the jury returned q YER
dict that the deceased came to his
death by cutting his throat with a
pair of razors, held in his own hands,
while laboring under q paroXysm of
insanity. The Star says:
A 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 that he made his way to the bath
room, where he finished the work
One Of the razors was badly hacked.
On Saturday evening some gentle
men who had seen or heard of the
occurrence in relation to the theft of
the book suggested that some OF Mr.
Coombs' brother ministers should
call on him, and DIR. Sunderland,
went up TO see him. Mr.. Coombs,
on being asked as to the truthful
ness Of the reports, said apparently
in broken spirit: "It is too true.
have been caught taking q book
fl ON booksellers l don't know
why | did it, for l had money to
pay for it (at the same time show
ing that he had upwards Of $50 in
his pocket.) He further said to DR..
S. that it was too bad, and he could
not meet his congregation Sunday.
On Saturday after the occurrence,
and on his return to Mrs Cathcart's,
he appeared to be very much depress-
ed. and in conversation with her said.
This is q very short and brief life,
and so unsatisfactory Mrs G at
tempted to cheer him. and inquired
why life was unsatisfactory, and he
replied: 1t is so full of sorrows
He did not, however, say anything to
Mrs. c. about the occurrence.
1t is apparent that the deceased
had been laboring for many years un-
der this kleptomaniac infrmity. We
are informed by leading city book
seller that some six years ago Mr..
Coomhs 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 for
give him also, in the most excited
manner. His piteous appeals for ST.
lence were acceded to on condition
that he would return the different
books he had taken, and he sent back
some twenty volumes.
MS CAREER AS i MISfsTTER.
Mr.. Coombs was about forty-sev-
en- years of age. a native of Loiidon
county. Va, and was educated at
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 circuits and in
charge of several churches he was
assigned to Ryland Chapel, and then
TO Union Chapel, in this city Over
fifteen years ago his mind underwent
change as to religious belief, and
he joined the Presbytheian Church
and was placed in charge Of the West
ern Presbyterian Church. of which
he remained pastor until the time of
his death. As a minister he was re-
markably successful, and he pos
sessed the love and respect not only
of his own congregation but of all
who had the pleasure of his acquint-
ance.
MEETING OF METHODIST MINISTER'S.
At meeting of the ministers of
the M. +. Church in this city to-day.
resolutions were adopted regretting
the untimely death of Mr. Coombs,
and expressing sympathy with bis
family and entire confidence in his
lifelong Integrity and purity of char
acter. also approving the verdict of
the goronEPs Jtiry. Of suicide while
suffering from q parbxysn Bf insani-
ty
=z--s- 4azfs 49,
e7 Five hundred men win be EN-.
ployed till next July by Woods & CO.,
manufacturers Of moving machines at