The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-12-03
J. E. KIRTLAND'S SUICIDE.
A TRAVELLING SALESMAN OF MEM
PHIS ENDS HIS OWN LIFE.
Landing at West Plains, Mo-, Feeling the
Effects of u Protracted Spree, He
Swallows 22o Grains OF Choral Hy-
drate and Bromide of Potassium.

On last Sunday evening about 6 o'clock
quite breeze OF excitement was In circu-
lation in this city to the effect that COM
mercial traveller bv the name OF lie. Kirt-
land, who travelled for the commission
house OF Alen-West, Memphis, Tenn,
had committed suicide at the West Plains
Hotel, this city, says the HoweH County
Gascte, of West Plains, Mo. Upon in
yestigation il was found that the report
was true.
From Mr.. Showers, landlord OF the West
Plains Hotel, We learned that Mr.. Kirt-
land came TO his house on the Tuesday
evening before, complaining very much
that he was feeling quito badly. lie re-
questcd room with fire in itand wanted
it at once. lie retired MS soon rs he could
and kept his room of and on until Sunday
evening when he was found in dying
condition. lie was under the influence Of
liquor when he came, and told DIR. Shuttee
and DR.. Berry both Of whom he had TO
see him from Tuesday evening till Sunday
evening, that no was just getting over a
big spree.
DIR. Shuttle was TO see him first and adj
ministercd 20 him. Sunday he wanted
the doctor again, and Dr. Berry was called
in, DR.. Shuiteo being absent from town.
DIR. Berry after examining him, and after
having long talk with him, gave him
prescription Of chloral hydrate and bro
mido 81 potassium some 2i0 grains. Alr.
Kirkland talked and acted perfectly ra-
tionnl and no idea presented itself that he
contemplated suicide.
Directions were left Mr.. Showers how to
give the medicine. The first dose WIS
given him about o'clock in the afternoon,
aud NJ about $50 o'clock Mr. Showers went
TO Mr. kirlland's room to give him the
second dose, when the patient was found
lying on the floor In dying condition.
MIR. Showers called for help and he was
laid on the bed, and in very few mo.
mcnis he was dead. The doctor WIS
called, but II was too late. Upon invcsti-
CATION the bottle which contained the
medicine was found empty and the nat
ural conclusion was reached that Mr..
Kirkland had drank the entire contents of
the bottle, with what object in view is only
conjecture.
kilograms were Gent 10 the house In
Memphis for which he Travelled, and an
answer came telling parties here 10 fix the
body In neat shape and in good coffin
and ship Ia them, at their expense all OF
which was done and the body was shipped
Sunday night
No blame is attached 10 anyone here for
the sad termination OF this gentleman.
Mr. Showers and family gave him good at.
tcntion, and the doctors administered 10
his wants. No one had any idea that he
contemplated suicide, and il Is question
whether he did IL with n full knowledge OF
what he was doing, or whether lac took the
fatal dose in moment Of temporary in.
sanity.
Monday afternoon Squire w. II.
Wheeler, acting Coroner, cmpancled a
jury and held an inquest ON the body.
Following is the verdict
We, the jury cmpancled and sworn on
the 10Th day oi November, 1888, in the
township Of Howell, county of Howell, by
w. IL. Wheeler Justice of the Peace in
and for said township, acting as Coroner,
90 diligently inquire and true prcscntment
make how and by whom j. T.. Kirkland,
whose body WIS found in the West Plains
House, In the city OF West Plains, on the
18th day OF November, 1855, came 10 his
death, having viewed the body and heard
the evidence, do find that the deceased
came TO his death 10y taking an overdose
Of chloral hydralo and bromide Of potas.
stun.
Dated this 25th day Of November, 1883.
u. u, roWlcs, ]. J. Skinner, John ~, +.
J. G.. Thompson, J. :. radon, G.. s. Lewis,
| jurors.
Following Ia DR.. Z. l.. winkler's re.
port
Wrsr lrAiSs Mo-. Nov. 81. 1855.
hereby certify that | have examined
the body OF j. L, Kirkland, deceased.
find no signs Of violence ON his body.
find three bruises or abrasions Of the Skin
ON the right side OF forehead. These seen
TO be superficial aud probably caused b,
falling from his bed. According 10 the oyi
dcnce, deceased took about 30 grrins o
chloml hydnio aud bromide Of potassium
In my opinion these drugs wcr suilicicn
10 cause his death.
4. l.. WiNKLER, VI. II.