The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1877-06-16
vsUIcIDE OF A PORTLAND MAN.


Information was received in this city yester-
day that Mr.. Emery Drew, formerly of this
city, had committed suicide at Noble Station,
Ohio. Mr.. Drew is a brother of Mr.. Ezra
Drew, who lives at 76 Smith street. The de-
ceased was about 30 years Of age, and came to
this city from Machiasport, his native place.
He lived with his brother here, and was young
man of excellent habits. While residing in
this city he made profession of religion. He
went to Ohio about five years ago, but visited
this city last fall during the Centennial Exposi.
ton. Mr.. Ezra Drew started for Ohio at once
on hearing of the sad affair."
The particulars of the case are as follows:
About o clock, as Mr.. Louden and lady were
walking few rods distant from Mr. E. Drew's
store, Noble Station, Euclid township Ohio,
they heard the sharp report of gun. AS Mr..
Drew was in the habit of shooting at mark
they thought nothing of it. But within the
store the body of Mr.. Drew had just fallen
backward upon the floor, shot by his own hand.
The lady entered in advance without observing
the body, which her own skirts brushed in pass
ing. Mr.. Louden saw it instantly, andi with
quick presence of mind took her by tbs arm and
almost forcibly elected her from tho store. The
neighbors were Immediately summoned and an
examination made. Nearly behind the front
entrance door is Mr.. Drew's desk. In front of
this, stretched upon his back, he was found
Upon the desk, with its seven chambers loaded
lay revolver, cooked. By his side was a file.
The man had ievidently set about his awfuI
work with calm, grim determination. He had
removed his coat and vest, folded both and
placed them on the desk. Then, without un-
buttoning his pants, he had pulled his linen
and flannel shirts from under them, and placed
the muzzle of the rifle against his bare body
just below the heart. To the trigger he had
tied piece of strong Irvine, and to the other
end of the string his foot was fastened. Pull
ing with his foot the trigger the gun discharg-
ed itself with fearful violence. The ball passed
through his body and the floor above, but could
be traced no further. The recoiling of the gun
was so heavy that it broke thu floor on which
it was resting, and shattered tt Som
pletoly. The balls entrance LEI -, ia
about the size of silver quarter. sss
tered the spinal column severing ~. "a. animal
cord, leaving horrible wound.
There was not sign of blood till the body
was turned over, when it bled profusely.
On the desk secured by an iron scale weight
was piece of wrapping paper containing the
following words: "May God forgive as forgive.
This is horrible. E. Drew, 76 Smith street,
Portland, Name
The cause of the suicide is as yet only con-
jectured. He has for four years kept store at
Noble Station, was exceedingly temperate, new
er drank, and moderately wealthy. He was a
very influential citizen and respected by all.
There was found about two hundred and sixty
dollars in bis store, and letters promising more
next week. He bad been building an elegant
brick house near his store. rhe house is all
complete but in furnishing.
Photographs of his parents and of young
lady were found upon his person. The most
plausible conjecture is that he has been crossed
in love, as he was building in anticipation of
marriage.
After coroner's inquest. had been held the
body was kindly taken to the Euclid vault,
where it will be kept until his brother arrives.