Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1891-03-01
AN INSANE HUSBAND
Fires Two Fatal Bullets Into the
Breast of His Young Wife.
JOHN B. COPELAND'S AWFUL DEED.
He Has Only Been Out of the Warren Insane
Asylum Two Months.
UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPT AT SUICIDE

John Boles Copeland, of Parnassus, West
moreland county, affectionately kissed his
wife yesterday morning, and then fired two
bullets into her breast, intlicting fatal in
juries.
Copeland is 80 years old, and member OF
the firm of A. B. Copeland s. Sons, one Of
the best known business houses in the ALE
gheny Valley. About year ago he had an
| attack of la grippe, and about the same
time became much excited over land
boom which struck that vicinity. His
mind was unbalanced, and he was taken to
Chautauqua, where he remained for two
weeks without any apparent improvement.
Later he was removed to the State Hos
pital for the Insane, at Warren.
Last December Copeland's mother was
stricken with paralysis, aud while her death
was daily expected he was taken home, the
physicians having decided that he was much
improved. The death of his mother did not
appear to materially affect him, and he at
tended to business with his usual assiduity.
He has always lived with his wife and two
children at his fathers house.
Peculiarities of an Insane Man.
Last Wednesday Mrs. w. S. McMeekin,
his sister. gave birth to a child, and Friday
her condition was such that it was necessary
to take the infant from her, and it was ar
ranged that Johns wife should'care for it.
|. John was then asked TO spend the night
with his brother, j. Renwick Copeland,
and after some objection consented. At
that time he appeared to be very much ex-
cited, and said he believed they intended to
send him back to Warren. He was quieted
and went to bed.
When he arose yesterday morning he ap-
peared in good spirits. He went to mis-
fathers house and directly to his wife's
room. He kissed her, told her to prepare
for breakfast, and sat down to wait. When
dressed Mrs. Copeland started to leave the
room, but was called back by her husband.
He asked her whether she loved him and
would continue to do so always, and when
she replied in the affirmative ne kissed her,
and quickly pulling revolver fired.
Mrs. Copeland grappled with her hus-
band and attempted to secure the weapon.
She failed and he fred second time. Then
she fell, two bullets having entered her lett
breast above the heart. He then aimed
shot at himself which missed, and another
at his wife which also failed of its mark.
Before he could fire again his father entered
messengers had been sent for physicians and
members of the family, John went to his
wife and leaning over her, apparently did
not realize what lie had done.
The Maniac Under Guard.
Mrs Copeland was conscious at this time,
and as her eyes wandered to her husband
she murmured, "Poor john" Later the
husband was put under guard in another
room, where he remained perfectly passive.
Occasionally he would ask about his wife
and then sit still, with his head resting
upon his hand.
The senior Mr.. Copeland says that the
time Of the shooting was only few seconds, ]
and that at the first report he hastened to |
his sons room. The weapon was a self |
acting Smith & Wesson, which had been |
laid away since last summer.
John Copeland was closely watched by |
friends last night, and it is probable that !
steps will be at once taken to send him back |
to the Warren Hospital. Mrs Copeland
was daughter of H. w. Hastings and % |
years old. They were a devoted couple, and
much thought of by the residents of Par
naSSuS,