The record-union., 1895-06-19
ENDED HIS LIFE With 4 PISTOL.
Shocking Suicide of a Prominent
Citizen.
r. s. Carey Surprises His Family and
the Community by Commit
ting the Rash Act.

This community was severely shocked
yesterday afternoon by the suicide OF K.
S. Carey. one of Its oldest, most respected
and public-spirited citizens.
The deed was committed about 2:3O
o'clock at his home on the corner OF
Tenth and II streets, and ali the circum-
stances show that it was wholly unpre-
meditated.
Mr.. Carey had been in i'll health for
several years, but he was man OF sucn
indomitable pluck and energy that, de-
spite his advanced age, it was only at rare
intervals and when SO commanded by
his physician that he would refrain from
personally looking after all the details or
his varied business interests.
Last Friday he returned from a short
visit to one of the mineral springs and
was arranging his affairs with a view to
returning there again in few days.
Yesterday he was about his home as
usual and nothing out of the way was
noted in his manner or conduct.
Only g short time before he shot him.
self he went out to The barn Ill the rear of
his house and saw that his wife's horse
was properly harnessed TO her phaeton
that she might take her customary after
noon ride. He also instructed his hostler,
Herman Golz about receiving and stoT-
ing some hay that was soon TO be brought
to the barn.
After giving these instructions he
ed back to the house and soon sat
down in a large chair on the rear porch
where he often sat. a moment later he
drew pistol from his pocket, and plac-
ing the muzZle just beneath his right ear,
sent bullet crashing through his head.
lie died almost instantly.
1t is evident that the deceased had not
contemplated taking his life, aud that the
act was one of sudden impulse the result
oil mOmentary despOdency regarding his
health, coupled with business and imam
cial Implications recently forced upon
him.
Mrs. Carey, and their grandson, Fred.
Carey, were prostrated with grief over
the unfortunate affair. Friends tele-
graphed to General John T. Carey, ex-
United States District Attorney, III san
Francisco, and be arrived last evening by
the first train. lie was so overcome on
his arrival at the house that friends had
10 assist aim from his carriage.
THE DECEAsED's ACTIVE LIFE.
Ransom Smith Carey was born on
November 70, 1871, near Liberty, Clay
County, Missouri. He was married in
1916, when only 10 years old, TO Miss
Mary a. Gotcner.
For some years he was employed as
wagonmaster for the Government trains
that ran 10 Kansas City, and having ac-
cumulated some money, in 1850 he came
across the plains to this State. Going
back to his old home, he brought his
family here in 1852, crossing the plains
again. He settled on Putah Greek at
place called Big Grove, near Dixon, and
lived there till 1852. when he removed TO
the sink OF Putah, engaging in handling
cattle. In 1860 he removed his family to
Sacramento, and lived for some time on
l. street, between Seventh and Eighth.
In 1868, in partnership with man named
Crum, he built the levee from r street to
SuIterville, IL having been carried away
by the 1862 flood. He was engaged in
leaning to Carson, which was lucrative
business, until the railroad was built, be-
ing President of the Teamsters' Associa-
ton.
He also took prominent part in agri-
cultural affairs, and was for some years
President of the State Agricultural Soci-
ETY..
He was also member of the Drainage
Commission, and was for some years
President of the Capital Savings Bank,
winding ND It's affairs and carrying out
ms prCl' TO the depOsitors that they
should rec g their money in full. He
also 1D. som years owned and operated
The stl ct always Of the city, selling
AIthol.A an Old-lne Democrat and
very active IN politics, MIR. Carey was
never an aspirant for office. but was once
persuaded by his friends to run for State
Senator against Greed Raymond, being
beaten only by d few votes.
lie had three children, Minnie wife of
Hon. w. {. Van Fleet, who died in 1878;
George W., who died some years ago.
and Hon. John L, who survives him and
who was lately United States District
Attorney OF California.
Mr.. Carey possessed marked and
positive character. A man of great and
untiring energy, his word was his bond,
and he commanded the respect and
esteem of all who knew him. He always
spoke his mind freely and fearlsssIy and
his probity and integrity were undoubted.
A few years ago he was classed among
the wealthy men Of the city, but the de-
pressed state of agriculture for the past
two years has largely deprecated the
value OF the thousands of acres he pos
sessed.
The funeral will probably take place
on Thursday afternoon.