Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1890-01-06
WEARY OF LIFE.
SHOCKING SUICIDE OF AN OLD sACRA-
MENTO CITIZEN.
John A. Sweeny Cuts His Throat While
Mentally Deranged-S Sad Result
of an Old Accident.

John A. Sweeney, residing at 926 {
street, committed suicide last evening, by
cutting his throat with razor. 1t seems
| that on the 9th day of June last he was
thrown from buggy while returning from
picnic at Leet's Grove, and sustained
severe injuries, especially to his head.
Ever since then he had been in melan-
choly mood, and fully realized the fact
that his mental faculties were impaired.
Latterly his condition became worse, and
about month ago he took dose of poison,
but prompt medical aid saved his life.
Since then his family have considered
the ACCESSIBILITY of having him examined
as to his sanity, and if possible, have him
sent to one of the asylums, where he could
be properly cared for, as they feared
that he might at any moment take
his life. They even consulted with
him on the subject, but he declined to give
his consent to go unless be could at any
time see the members of his family. The
difficulties in the way of this proposition
were explained to him, and he became
more respondent tnan ever.
Yesterday the family decided that his
condition was such as to demand immedi-
ate action. He was known to have razor
secreted in his room, and one of his sons
pleaded with him to give it up, but Sweeny
denied stoutly that he had a razor or any
other weapon.
About half-past six o'clock in the evening
his son Frank went to Seventh and ]
streets and telephoned to the Police Station
for a couple of officers to meet him at that
place. Officers Rider and Mclaughlin re-
sponded, and the young man explained
the situation and asked them TO go to the
house with him and take his father to the
County Jail for safe-keepipg until to-day,
when he would be examined by the Com
missioners in Lunacy. The three men
went to the house, which they found in
state of confusion and excitement.
1t is supposed that the father knew what
was going on. for in the absence of his son
Frank he had cut his throat with a razor,
inficting a cash that stretched almost from
ear to ear. He was found by other men,
bers of the family lying on the bed with
the blood streaming from the wound.
When his son and the officers arrived he
was still alive, and two surgeons were sent
for. They soon arrived and set to work to
sew up the wound. but before the task was
accomplished the unfortunate man
breathed his last.
Deceased was a man highly esteemed by
his neighbors and all who knew him. He
was native of Rochester, n Y, and 50
years OF age, although he looked to be
fully fifteen years younger. He had been
a resident of Sacramento for twenty-three
years, and a painter in the employ of the
railroad company for eighteen years. He
leaves three sons-John, Frank and Will
iam-all of whom are i'll the railroad
service, and two daughters, also grown.
His mother, aged 80 years, also survives
him. His wife died some years ago.
The family of deceased are greatly dis
tressed over the terrible and melancholy
affair, and it is feared that the shock will
prove fatal to the aged mother, whose
health is very feeble.
The funeral, it is understood, will take
place at 2 o'clock P. NJ. on Tuesday after
noon from the family residence.