Daily Republican., 1882-08-11
TIRED OF LIFE.
A Dependent Man Cuts his Throat
From Ear to Ear.


Last evening the neighborhood OF
Front and Walnut streets, was thrown
into q state of excitement by the report
i that man had committed suicide
UpOn investigation the rumor was sub.
stantiated and the dea 4 body Of John
Westlake was found in the room Of his
boarding house, with his throat out
from ear to ear. The deceased was a
native of England and for several
months had been boarding with Mrs,
Macklin, at the North west corner of
Front and Walnut streets. .. ....
1t was stated by Mrs Macklin that
the man ate his breakfast as usua. yes
terday morning and went back to his
room, When the dinner hour arrived,
he did not come down, but nothing was
thought of it until supper time when he
also failed to appear. Thinking that
perhaps he was sick, Mrs. Macklin dis
patched a servant girl to his room be-
tween and O'Clock, to call him. Re,
ceiving no response and fiuding the
door locked she notified the land-lady
who in turn told her husband of the
affair. Mr.. M. procured ladder and
proceeded to the mans room. Arriv.
ing at the window a gbastly sight met
his gaze. ...... .... Co.,. a...
Mr.. Westlake was laying upon the
floor in pool of blood his neck having
been cut from ear to ear Two razors
were lying near by and it is supposed
that he put his head from tie window
aud did the deed, as the window sill
was covered with blood. The man was
evidently bent on making successful
thing Of it, as the jugular vein was sew
cred in two places, but the wind-pipe
was not hurt.
Mr.. Westlake was machinist by trade
and sometimes worked at blacksmith
ing. At one time he was engaged in
the Pusey & Jones Company, but the
last place he worked was at Bowers,
Dure & Company's car shops. For
sometime past he had not not been
working and was behind in his board
bill. several weeks, when the deed was
committed,
His life has always been a mystery
to his friends am those who know him
as lie never talked upon any subject
but religion. 1t is stated that he is un.
Gle to the wife of George Adele and that
he had sufficient means To live through
out the summer months without work,
but why he left his board unpaid is a
mystery. 1t is thought however that
his mind was somewhat affected and
hence the rash act.
The man was noted for heing very
cleanly in his habits and always pre-
sented clean appearance when
upon the street and the fact Of his
hanging his head out of the window,
while he cut his throat, proves
that he was cleanly, as he did not wish
the blood to get on the floor. The cHr-
oner was notified aud the body was re.
moved to the m0rgue by undertaken
Palmer, and an inqu uest will be held to
day. The man appears to be about 60
or 65 years of age and weighed over 200
pounds. At this writing 1l.45 a. m, no
inquest had been held and nothing be-
yond what has been stated could be
CLEANED. ...2n
Since writing the above it has been
that the deceased, John
Westlake, served in the Eighth Della
peculiar habits.
He also has relatives in Brandy wine |
Hid, ,and before the inquest his relatives
will meet together and devise some |
means to give the man O proper burial, !
While in the army, it was stated by a |
3omrade, that he.had over $1l00 invest.
ID, and as he was lot the man to spend |
much money it seems strange that it's
whereabouts cannot be ascertained.
An examination Unto his effects and
IN investig ton by the Coroner failed TO
9licit anything regarding his private
business or money affairs and his death
is mystery. He at one time owned
property in Englaad but transferred |
the deeds for The same for q debt of |
S100, the receipt for which was found in
his possession.