The Evening critic., 1885-02-16
A SAD END.
Tho Sudden Termination of Dr. X.
A. BacOu-S Life.

Tho Sudden Formulation of Dr. X.
A. BacOn's Life.
DIR. Reuben A. Bacon, q prominent drug
gist OF South Washington, suicided at his
residence, corner of Four.aud a half and l.
streets southwest, on Saturday morning last.
DIR. Bacon had been very much depressed dur
ing the past two months-so much so that
his hypochondria was plainly noticeable to
all his friends. He was advised to seek
medical advice, which he did, DR.. Hazen of
South Washington being selected as his at
tending physician.
During the first few days of medical
treatment DIR. Bacon improved rapidly, and
IL was thought by his friends that he was
on the road to convalescence. His morose-
ness was not noticeable again until about
two weeks ago, when DIR. Bacon, to the
surprise OF his friends, sold out his long
established business to Mr. Leslie Sears, n
druggist Of West Washington, and since
that time no has been acting rather
strangely; in fact, his morosenesss warned
his friends to such degree that watch
was kept on him.
few days ago he disposed of his ne
horse and landau at a nominal sum. Saturday
morning Dr. Bacon entered the drug store,
and upon being asked by an acquaintance
as TO how he was feeling, replied: VERY
nicely" Immediately afterward he re-
paired to his room, and nothing was seen or
heard from him until DR.. Hazen, In max
ing bis usual call at 1916 o'clock, entered
the room where the Doctor was, and TO his
horror found DIR, Bacon sitting upright on
the floor, his back against the door, dead.
A small silk cord such as is used in
hanging pictures was found tied to the
door-knob. 1t had been thrown over the
door and a complete hangman's moose en-
circlod the doctors neck. DIR. Hazeu called
in DR.. Sears and the cord was cut from the
unfortunate mans neck, and the Coroner
notified, who, upon viewing the body,
deemed at inquest unnecessary, and gave 4
certificate of death from asphyxia.
Just how the act was committed is not
known, but the most plausible theory is
that given by prominent physician. 1t is
that after the Doctor adjusted the moose
around his neck he took large dose of
morphine, which threw him into a state of
unconsciousness, and that "a his head fell
forward the moose frightened and choked
him to death. Tho attempt on the part of
his friends to keep the matter from the
press was unsuccessful.
Dr. Bacon was about As years OF age. He
was born at Bedford, Mass, and was cd
ucated as druggist at Cambridge, Mass.
He came to Washington in 1860, and hay
ing but few dollars started the present
drug store, at the corner of Four-and-a-
half and f streets southwest.
His business from the start was prosper
Gus, and in a few years he had accumu-
lated a considerable amount of money.
About ~ years ago he married Miss Col
burn, wealthy lady of Springfield, Vt.
His wife died about four years ago, leaving
two children, who are now at their
mothers home in Vermont. They are aged
IL and years, respectively.
That the act was premeditated is clearly
proven by the fact that in the past year the
Doctor has made no less than four or FIVE
wills. The date of the last will could not
be learned. He was formerly vice-presi-
dent Of the National College of Pharmacy
Of the District of Columbia, and by the ma
| jority of his friends he is spoken of as be-
| ing always ready to do an act by which
some one would be benefited. He had a
large number of friends in this city, and
his sad death has cast shadow Of sorrow
upon them.
| Mr.. Robert NJ. Colburn, brother-in-law
of the deceased, was telegraphed for and ar
rived in the city this morning. Tho body
was embalmed by Mr.. Joseph @. Lee un.
deriaker, and will be taken to Spring
field. Vt, leaving Washington on the
10 o'clock train Tonight, accompanied by
Mr. Colburn and Miss Jennie Bacon, o
niece of the deceased