Daily Texarkana Democrat., 1894-01-22
MYSTERIOUS SUICIDE.
Geo. A. Thomas, the "Jolly Lon
doner" and Popular Car Inspec-
tor, Dead.

tor, Dead.
Shortly after 3 o'clock yesterday
afternoon, one of the men connected
with the local car inspectors service,
entered the room, at the Cosmopoli-
ton Hotel, occupied by Geo. A.
Thomas, chief Joint Car Inspector for
the Iron Mountain and Texas & Pa
cific railway lines, at this place, and,
on attempting TO awaken the occu-
pant, from what he supposed was an
afternoon nap, found him in a dying
condition.
The alarm was quickly given and
medical aid instantly summoned.
But all to no avail as the dying man
brcathed his last in a few moments
after his condition was discovered.
An eighth ounce bottle of Morphine,
with half its contents gone, lying near,
told its own sad and tragic story,
which was fully confirmed, later on,
by the opinion of the attending ply
siclan, DR.. j. A. L'ghtfoot, and the
Coroner's Jury, both tending to re-
move any doubt, which might have
existed, as to the manner or cause of
death.
The deceased was typical repre-
sentative Of his race, a hale, hearty
and jovial Englishman. He came to
this country in 1882, settling at Kan
sas City, Mo-, from whence he remov-
ed to Texarkana, and entered the en-
ploy of the above named railway
companies, about 2 years ago. He
was 48 years of age, member of the
Knights of Py thias, in good standing,
lull Of generous impulses, and uni
versally popular among his associates.
The causes which led to his des-
truction and the circumstances under
which the rash act wac committed,
are neither clearly known. 1t is
generally supposed, however, that
recent dissipation, which had involv-
ed him deeply in debt, was the main
cause of his fatal deed. The deceased
retired at q rather late hour Saturday
night. He arose, for a short time, al
9 O'Clock Sunday morning, but soon
retired again and was not seen there
after until found in the manner stated
acove, at O'Clock in the afternoon.
Before taking the fatal drug, it is
supposed that deceased carefully col
ected and destroyed all letters and
private personal effects, relating to
his former life and family affairs, as
nothing of the kind could be found,
either on his person or among bis
effects after death. 1t is known how
ever, that he had four children, yet
living, three daughters, all married,
and a son. The latter youth of 20
years, who visited his father at this
place, about three months ago, being
then cn-route to Honolulu, whore he
is now engaged in civil engineering
with cousin. The young man is a
graduate of Harvard college, having
been afforded the best of educational
advantages. The remainder of the
family are widely scattered, one
daughter residing in Kansas City,
Mo-, another at Seattle, Wash, and
and the third at the old home in
England
The only writing, of any kind, left
by the deceased was slip of paper
bearing the address of Geo. Rivelly,
X. of r. & S. in the Pythian Lodge at
Kansas City. Mo-, of which deceased
was a member. A telegram has been
sent to the Lodge, at Kansas City,
through Mr.. Rivelly, announcing the
death of deceased and asking what
disposition shall be made of his re-
mains. The members of his family,
residing in this country, have also
been notified.
To many, who have known
this man in the full vigor OF
strong manhood and, apparently, in
the enjoyment Of life's best gifts,
health and happiness, fhe news of his
death by his own hand, will have a
severe shock. He was genial com
panion, faithful to his friendships and
even in this, his greatest and gravest,
error, he has wronged none other as
much as himself
The remains were taken in charge
bv Mr.. Shut and are now at Whiten-
ere Undertaking establishment await
ing instructions from Kansas City.
-
dnUEI ID IN VyTMN CmnDG