The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1895-11-25
DEATH IN A CHEST
A Fathers Fearful Way Of
Numbering His Two Lit
tie Children.
BULLET FOR HIS OWN BRAIN
Illuminating Gas Poisoned the
Children While He Chatted
to Them.
BULLET FOR HIS OWN BRAIN

BROOKLYN, Nov. 25, 1S95.-After kill
!, ing his two children by rocking them in
a large box and suffocatin them with
gas, Herman Hattenhorst, thirty-five
years old, a boxing instructor, commit
ted suicide by sending a bullet crashing
through his right temple. The tragedy
occurred some time yesterday. No cause
is assigned for the deed other than des-
pondency over business matters. The
bodies were found at 1880 o'clock this
morning by Round5:-:--..-- .--alloran, in the
rooms used by the man to give boxing
lessons. ON the second floor of No. 1895
Broadway.
Hattenhorst resided with his wife and
two children. Viola, six years, and
Hazel, two and one-half years, at No
1103 Greene avenue. His married life
was pleasant one from all accounts
The father after dinner yesterday sug-
gested that he take the two children out
for a walk. Both children were dressed
with care and a few minutes after 1880
o'clock the party left their home. How
long they walked is not known. They
did not arrive home in the evening for
supper, and Mrs. Hattenhorst became
alarmed about her, husbands where
finally eleven and twelve came, but no
husband and children appeared
Unable to bear the suspense longer
ward to accompany her to the Four
teenth precinct police station, where they
intended to have an alarm sent out Tor
Broadway, near Quinot street. Mrs
Hattenhorst met Roundsman Halloran,
to whom she, told of the disappearance
roundsman suggested that they go to
Hattenhorst's place of business.
The. party proceeded to No. 1,2s5
HORRIBLE DISCOVERY.
When the trio entered the lower hall
the place was in darkness, and 1t looked
Mrs. Hattenhorst told the officer to go
upstairs. Upon reaching Hattenhorst',s
rooms a strong odor, Of gas was noticed ed:
as he got no reply he forced the door
open. The room was in darkness and
sa fdr w5h " gef 10 he ee %hdow UdeT m
across the body of Hattenhorst that was
lying close beside a box in the middle Of
was was, received Hattonhorst was found
dead with a 32-ealibre revolver by his
side, while the bodies of the two children
were found in a large sized packing case
them in the box, after which he INFECTED
a small rubber hose. The other end OF the
gas was then turned on full, and it is
supposed that the man stood by talking
to the children until they became unCOIl-
scious After being sure of their death
he took off the cover and then fired a
bullet through his own head.
The box used was an ordinary large
case in which Hattenhorst kept his
clubs and boxing gloves: When MIS-.
Hattenhorst saw the bodies of her hlDs-
band and children she became hysterlcai,
and Halloran had great difficulty in
keeping her quiet
Mrs. Hattenhorst's brother was hurried
the alarm and later had an ambulance
summoned from ST. Catharines Hospital.
Surgeon Mccoy responded but was too
late to render any assistance. He said
the man had been dead some hours. By
this time Mrs Hattenhorst had swooned
and doctor was called to attend her.
After giving her restoratives she was
removed to her home, where she now
is in a weak condition suffering from
shock
Coroner Creamer was notified, and at
7:3O o'clock this morning he gave per-
NIT for the removal of the bodies. Tney
were taken to the undertaking establish
ment of George Perth, at No. 27 Boerum
street, where they were reviewed by the
Coroner and County Physician.
Mrs. Hattenborst through her sobs
and tears. said that she could give no
reason for the deed committed by her
husband The brother of the woman
said that for some time past the bust
ness OF Hattenhorst was not as good as
formerly and this worried him greatly.
1.-THE home life of the couple said he,
was of the pleasantest."