The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-06-29
It WAS DR.. {. ]. ASHM0RE
Body of the Ex-Surgeon of the
Colima Found in the
Bay.
WAS IDENTIFIED IN OAKLAND.
No Motive for Suicide Could Be
Assigned by His
Friends.

The remains of the man found floating
at the mouth of Oakland Creek on Thurs
day were identified yesterday at the in
quest as those of DR.. Edgar ]. Ashmore of
1917 Bush street, San Francisco, who, up
to six months ago, was the surgeon of the
hl-fated steamer Colima.
From the testimony of William F. En-
sign, an expert locksmith who resides at
the number stated, little doubt remains
that Ashmore committed suicide while in
a Respondent mood. Mr.. Ensign stated
that he recognized the physician from
description given in yesterdays CALL. DR..
Ashmore had boarded with him and his
wife for several years past, and had a
father, mother and sister in San Jose, and
a wife and child in Detroit, Mich.
"He always seemed to have plenty of
money" said Mr.. Ensign, land he was
very fond of his wife. last saw him on
last Friday night about 9 o'clock, when he
said he was going to take o long, long
walk that night. He was in the habit of
walking some before retiring each night
The next morning my wife said the doctor
had not slept in his room the night before.
The day before yesterday | received tele-
gram from his wife asking me if he was
still at my house and if all were well with
him. / answered. Not here; will write
particulars He wore a silver watch and
plain ring and | think he had some money
in one of the banks, but he sent them all
to his wife, I'm sure, for that is what
caused the telegram. He was surgeon of
the steamer Colima up to six months ago,
and lost his position, / think, through his
extreme deafness.
He left letter with my wife, tell
hnr hat I, Ar
to bear, and another telling her what
to do with his belongings. DR.. Ash
more was one of the most cheerful men [
ever knew, and know of no reason why he
should commit suicide. He left word that
his personal belongings should be turned
over to his father, VINO he asked should
be Immediately notified. The deceased
was about 40 years of age
Mrs. W. F. Ensign, the landlady who
identified the remains, was seen at her
home, 1917 Bush street, on her return
from Oakland yesterday afternoon. She
said:
l knew the doctor the moment saw the
back of his head. l had no difficulty in recog-
nizing both features and clothing. My hus-
band saw the remains in the morning, but
although he was tolerably certain he recog-
nized our lodger he came back for me, think
DR.. Ashmore committed suicide, although the
Coroners verdict was that it was supposed
suicide. l never knew him to be de-
spondent, although no was. troubled some
what about his gradual loss of hearing,
which he said was oceastoned by q fall from .
| buggy when he WAS practicing medicine in
Colorado. He was man of most exemplary
habits, and have often said that if had son
] would hold up the doctor as model to him.
He has had room in our house since early last
TALL, and to my certain knowledge in that time
he was never outside the house after O'Clock
in the evening but once and that exception was
when he went to the theater with gentleman
ny11r nfy mad r>f
was very devoted to his family a wife and son,
boy years OF age, who have until recently
been visiting relatives in Detroit, Mich.
l know there were the most amicable
relations between his wife and himself, for he
has often read her letters to me. The day be-
fore he disappeared he wrote to her, and he
has often told me that 1t was his intention to
| open an office in this City and have his family
| join him. He paid his rent regularly, and
| never knew him to be out of money. He re-
| signed his post as surgeon of the Colima in
order TO take regular treatment for his deaf
ness
| The last time saw him was on the evening
/ of Friday, the 21st inst He came into the sit
| ting-room to borrow the morning paper, and
| went to his room to read, as was his habit. A
| few minutes afterward 1 heard the door close
and knew that he had gone for walk, rs he
| usually did before retiring. He met my hus-
band before he had gone half a block and told
him he was going for long walk. The next
| morning found he had not slept in his bed
| and was alarmed at once, as such proceed.
| ing was SO remarkable for him. We wrote 10
| hisfather, who lives in San Jose, and he came
| up the early part of the week and took
his effects home. He thought as we did that
| harm had overtaken him, though we did not
know in what form. | always felt
| cause he could not hear the car bells, and
was afraid he might have been the victim OF
an accident. l can hardly believe that he
| could have committed suicide. He was as
merry as usual when he left the room at
o'clock that evening. He may have come to
his death by accident.
/ found no letters in his room or elsewhere,
! and il he left any they were in the trunk
| which his father took to San Jose, where his
| parents and, believe, two sisters live
An examination of the room that had
been occupied by Dr.. Ashmore showed that
none OF his property remained.
The jury brought in a verdict of drown
ing, with suicidal intent"