The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-07-06
SWAMQUT TO SEA TO DIE
SUICIDE OF CAPT. MAR
TIN OF ST. sIMONs.


He Walked Into the Ocean Fully
Dress sven to Isis Bat-Other
Bathers Thought he Was 90 Modest
to Wear Bathing Euit-ais Wife's
uiCide by browning.
BRUNSWICK, Ga, July Capt Luther
Martin committed suicide on ST. Simon's
Island last night. He was 73 years old,
wealthy and known by many who visited
the island resorts, having lived on Cumber-
land twenty years. The story Of the sui
eide discloses a cool and premeditated plan
OF action that succeeded arkably we'll
plan that has been maturing for ten years
past. In the Macon Telegraph aad Mes
sen0er of May "a 1881, is letter written
from Cumberland Island by Il Macon
visitor. The letter gives graphic descrip-
tion Of the suicide Of Mrs. Luther Martin,
wife of Capt. Martin, the Friday before
The unfortunate woman met Capt. Martin,
mutual affection arose aud they were mar
ried. The wife was untutored, and Capt.
Martin spent years in educating her.
INSANITY INHERITED.
During that time she often seemed de-
pressed, and in despondent moment com
mitted suicide. Insanity, it is said, was in
herited in her family, her father having
killed himself when Insane. The fact
| weighed upon her mind until it became un-
settled,s and the memory OF her fathers
fate greatly Impressed her, while the insane
asylum, with all its horrors maEnifed In
her excited imagination, was constantly
before her. Capt. Martin in vain did his
utmost to still the troubled mind, but finally
had TO keep constant watch Fever cane
and dfty-one days and nights the faithful
husband sat by tho bedside. Nature then as
| serted herself and he fell asleep.
PLUNGED INTO THE WATER.
Selling the opportunity, Mrs. Martin
| robed herself, wrote all afPectionate note to
him, fed the house, ran to a bluff over
hanging the water q few steps distant and
| made the fatal plunge. Her body was
washed ashore next dav and recovered by
Mrs. Peckham. When found she was
dressed in her best clothes and decorated
with jewelry. Capt. hiortin told his wife's
history at the grave, and there silently reg.
is cred vow that TO this day remains un,
known. Mr. and Mrs. Peckham moved tc
st. Simon's os keeper and assistant keeper
| Of the st. Simon's lighthouse. Capt. Martin
| cherished feeling Of gratitude for Mrs.
Peckham, and three months ago asked tc
live with them. The request was granted
FoREToLD HIS DEATH.
Monday during a conversation be re-
marked that to-day was his 73rd birthday
| He had lived as long as any man ought t.
live, and now he expected to die as his wife
had died. by drowning. A watch was kept
but last night unobserved, he walked &
! the beach, stuck his stick in the sand, and
| fully dressed, to a straw hat, he walket
out through the surf and joined "a party O
bathers. His walk continued to deey
water, when he struck out and swan out o.
sight. The bathers thought nothing un
usual, and concluded that De was too mod
est to wear a modern bathing suit and pre-
ferred to go in dressed. He has not beer
seen since Capt. Martin was a Thorough
sailor, and knew that last night the ebt
tide would take his body far from shore
| He leaves no relatives.