The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1892-07-06
SUICIDE OF BANKER TYLER
Grief for His Gifted Daughters Untime-
ly Death Unbalanced His Mind.
Without Indicating His Intention 10 His Fam
lily, the Vincennes Bank President Ended
HIS Life on the Grave Of His Child.
spee,al to the Indisnapol,s 1ournal.

Special to the Indianapolis Journal.
VINCENNEs, Ind, July 5.-A well-nigh in
expressibly mournful event occurred here
this morning little after Q o'clock. The
shocking news flashed throughout the city
that Wilson NJ. Tyler. president of the
Vincennes National Bank. had shot him
self through the heart on his daughters
grave in the city cemetery. The facts
soon verified the startling report, for the
lifeless remains of the well-known banker
were found stretched across the little
mound In the family lot, his blood oozing
from his heart and SS-cali-
bre revolver lying at his feet.
Mr.. Tyler had just left his beautiful home
at the corner of Sixth and Busseron q few
moments before. He went to the livery
quired after an ailing animal that belonged
to him. but upon being told that he had
better not drive it he requested the livery
man to hitch up one of the stable animals.
1t was his custom to arrive at the bank at
about Q o'clock. This morning he went to
the postoffice and took q large bundle
of bank mail from his box,
and then walked to the livery stable.
On securing the rig he drove directly to
the cemetery, left the bundle of letters on
the buggy seat, hitched his horse securely
to the post and walked into the cemetery,
where he sat down on the little grassy
mound that covered the remains of his
gifted and beautiful daughter Alice, who
died in February, 1888. at Evanston, Ill.
Sexton Dolson lives within fifty yards of
the grave. His action did not create any
apprehension. however. as it was
his custom to make daily visits
to the grave. Mrs. Cummings, the sex-
toms mother, saw him pull out his revolv-
er from his pocket, place the muzzle at his
breaet and fire. The sections wife ran to
the spot, and grasping hold of his hand ex-
claiming: "Oh. Mr. Tyler, what have you
donef" But life was extinct before help
conid arrive, and he never spoke word.
The coroner and undertaken were sum-
moned at once and the body removed to his
residence, where such scenes of grief were
enacted as will be remembered by those
present for many days. No cause is assigned
for the act other than that it has been well
known that Mr.. Tyler was fairly heart
broken at the time OF his daughters death.
Of late, however it was believed he had
become resigned and apparently was
happy. He left no word of explanat on,
thus far discovered. The cause, therefore,
10 q mystery. The sensation this terrible
event created was tremendous in this city.
HIS numerous friends were dumfounded
and too much amazed to express an opinion
when the news was reported to them. He
was held In high esteem by the community
and county In general. and the bank he
represented was one of the foremost instr
tutions in the State. 1t has been In active
operation for over quarter Of q century.
Ia hod hao do IL f<r
twelve years. He was q conservative bust.
ness man, his health seemed to be perfect
and his mind showed no sign of weaken
ing. He spent the 4th of July in amuse-
ment with his friends at the club and
seemed to be. if nything, more merry and
and witty than usual. Even this morning
he greeted his acquaintance with a frank
ness and friendliness that was particularly
marked. However there was q suggestion
of mental anguish when he went to the
livery stable. He suddenly seemed to have
collapsed. His face became pinched, and
a drawn expression gathered around his
ashen lips. His friends now assert that
constant grieving for his daughters death
Gently he had complained of severe pains
In the head, and would then relapse into
fits of despondency. When he was in such
condition he would 60 to his friends and
say that he was looking for life and hope.
and wanted them to help him fOrget his
troubles.
The coroner's inquest will be held to-
morrow. He leaves q wife and son, Frank
Tyler, OF Kansas City, who is n wealthy
and substantial citizen and merchant of
Kansas City. Immediately after the tray
edy the bank of which Mr.. Tyler was presi-
dent was closed and the directors held a
meeting at which it was determined
to notify the Controller of the Currency
at Washington and await his further i'm
structions. The bank Is said to be finsn-
mn
essences in regard TO its condition felt bv
its directors or any one connected with il.
A bank examiner was here less than ten
days ago and he thorOl ghly examined the
Nm. neennes N,ofa ,;.asa panS ;,h ana repoioea
Mr.. Tyler was worth about $125 900 and
carried $4,000 insurance on his life. He
was fifty six years of age.