The Wheeling daily register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1864-1878, 1878-01-05
SUICIDE.
Death of Col. J.C. LinInger-A sad
and dInexplicabIe Tragedy.
Richie Gazette, Extra.

Ritchie Gazette, Extra.
Between the hours of 3 ?. II. on last
sabbath and 9 a. n. Moudsy as strange
and sad tragedy as was ever enacted
within the borders of Richie county
trsnspired in Hsrrisyille. Prot. John c.
Linlnger, well known to many OF our
citizens rs man OF intellect and educs.
iion, took his destiny into his own hands,
and terminated his life The particulars
OF this startling and woeful affair, are ss
follows, as nearly as We can gather them:
At the first mentioned hour, Prof.
LiniCger went TO the drug store in this
place, and purchased two ounces OF laud-
anum, stating that be wanted 1t for his
wife. When Mr.. Iams, the druggist, re
marked that thirty drops would be sutti-
cient for Cose, the former replied that
he knew al about II, rs he had frequent
!y used it in ms family. Prot. LinInger
paid for the Grug. sat and talked cheer.
July for some time, and then went TO
MS home, about q square away. Enter
ing ne told his wife he had some prussIc
acld, and intended 10 take it. This lady
SAWS that she saw the wal, and behold
Ing u dark liquid, was compelled to
dlsbeheve her husband knowing the acid
IS white He went into the kitchen, and,
rs is now supposed, took the isudsnum
While there. Returning to the sitting
room, he threw himself on 8 lounge,
rou:ing himself two or three times, but
finally sinking into that sleep from
when he never swoke. Mrs. Llninger
sat until midnight, and At las; fearing
the worst aroused her nearest neighbors.
DR.. Ball Was called; but too late 10 be OF
auy benefit. At few minutes before
uIie e o'clock, on Monday morning, John
{. LlniDger bresthet his last.
TIE deceased man stated a short time
before be committed the final act, thst
be had dressed himself for the grave.
/ He al.o said that he WAS about to take
I bis last, long sleep. Further, he caused
! his son 70 make peculiar mark, in the
shspe of cross, upon tCe coin with
" hicn be paid for the latsl drug. AL
these things seem to bear out the theory
ot premeditstion.
l. Is difficult 10 assign resson for this
act OF self.destructioD; hsrd 10 offer sat-
I is.actory explanation. Yet 1t i true
Prot. LiuinCer had once been in good
financial circumstances, which had
changed until he WAS roor mau. His
was u proud and sensitive -plui, saG, no
doub., he wss harassed ard depressed on
account of fnsncisl difficulties. 1t Is
mourniul TO have 10 write, in addition,
tbs. Is bright 81 intellect rs his should
frequently be clouded by the use Of
splIi;uous liquors. This taking OF his own
lite followed holiday week. 1t may
be tbs: tree from the influence Il q
s;imula1t, weary in soul, depressed. dis
ccursged, hopeless, his mind sank to de-
spair. aud reschiug the verge Of insanity,
te iooN the draugRt thst 20 him seemed
10 contain the promise Of everlasting
rest.
Be this as 1t may, no common person
has parted from among Us. John &.
Llnirser wss gentleman 10 culture, :
fue scholar srd thorough educator.
No more oompanionsbie genlsl. socssb.e
man ever existed. His gift Of language
wss unusual he possessed q mind Is
bright and strong IS polished steel. NoS
that be hiss gone, let the mantle OF
casritv bs thrown over his faults and
thal which was noble shout him, remem.
beFed