Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1881-09-30
A Young VirHinianS Suicide.
THE TRAGIC DEATH OF W. +. c. GREGORy.
SHOT TWICE THROUGH THE BODY WITH
'sBUII DOG" PISTOL

THE TRAGIC DEATH OF W. +. c. GREGORY
SHOT TWICE THROUGH THE BODY WITH A
''BULL DOG" PISTOL.
distressing tragedy occurred last evening
at the boarding house Of Mrs. E. C. Ingle, cor
ner Of Sd and streets A few minutes before
six O'Clock, just as the guests OF the house had
nnished dinner, two pistol shots were heard in
the upper part of the house. 1t was soon ascer-
tanned that one of the boarders. young man
named W. F. e. Gregory jr.. had committed
suicide. Gregory had dined with the family, as
usual, and his actions attracted no comment.
Upon rising from the table he went directly to
his ROOM on the fourth floor, and five minutes
afterwards the first pistol shot was heard.
A youth named Richard C. Edwards
started at once towards Gregory's room, but be-
another shot was heard. Young Edwards was
Joined by his father, Rev. A. L. Edwards and
Mr.. Kemp S. GOOGlOe. Finding Gregory's door
locked. they looked over the transOm and dis
covered Gregory lying on the bed, while smoke
was curling up from the bosom of his shirt
the pistol. The door was burst open. 1t
was found that the young man had
shot himself twice through the body. both
balls passing through the region of the
heart, and killing him before the alarmed
inmates Of the house reached him. Gregory had
removed his coat and vest and sat upon the
edge of the bed. He useda Bulldog pistol. like
the one used by the assassin Guiteau. to accom-
plish his purpose. One ball passed through his
body, coming out under the shoulder blade, and
striking the wall fell flattened to the floor. The
other, supposed to have been the second ball
fired, passed downward coming out Just above
the hip, and was found in the folds of the shirt
That the suicide was deliberate was evidenced
by two notes left on the table in his room. one
saying Forget and forgive this Decd the
other making an itemized statement Of certain
monies he had in banks here and in Richmond
together with $97 in his pockets. the entire
amount being several hundred dollars. Just
before dinner he went to his landlady and paid
In full his board bill, which would not have been
due until to-day.
Gregory was % years Of age and the only son
of prominent lawyer. W. F. c. Gregory, of
Richmond. He has resided in Washington four
years, boarding at Mrs. Ingle's and working in
the House folding room at the Capitol. At the
last commencement of the Columbia law school
he graduated with honor and intended. his
friends understood, to shortly engage with his
father in the practice of law in Virginia. He
was regular attendant at the Central Presby-
terrain church and was considered to be exem-
plarv in every respect. During the summer he
made trip north, visiting Saratoga, Niagara
and other famous resorts. Since his return
about a month ago, his health has been poor.
ana ne has complained very much. 1t is thought
that his poor physical condition produced de-
spondency which led to the suicide. Coroner
Patterson last evening, after investigating the
case. decided that an inquest was unnecessary.
The remains were this morning embalmed and
sent to Richmond, Va. Mr.. Gregory was well
and favorably known by large circle of friends
In this city. He was close student, and it is
thought he Overtaxed his mind by study
MARRIAGE LICENSES have been issued to
Walter Fowler and Celia Ann Jones; Charles H.
Cissell and Lettie Williams John H. Jackson
and Josephine Bush
COOP CHANCE is presented to housekeepers
9TH ~. -
Imperial Hotel. to take place on Monday morn
ing. October Sd. The catalogue shows large
quantity Of furniture, &c. Catalogues now
ready.