New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-02-27
PRICE THREE CENTS.
SUICIDE OF "A MERCHANT.
GEORGE WATSON. OF NEWARK. KILLS
HIMSELF AT THE GILsEY.


HE HAD RECENTLY GIVEN UP ACTIVE CHARGE
OF HIS CLOTHING BUSINESS But BECAME
VICTIM TO NEEDLESS WORRY.
George Watson who had been successful
clothing merchant in Newark for thirty years.
committed suicide in the Gilsey House In this city
yesterday, apparently because he had retired
from business and had given himself up to need
less worry when lie had nothing else with which
to occupy his mind. 1t Is not the first time that
a man who has been active in business for years
and then has tried to enjoy idleness has lost In
terest in life.
Mr.. Watson went to live at the Gilsey House
last October with his wife and his son, George
who is an invalid His oldest son, Clarence.
managed the business in Newark. Mr.. Watson's
health was not good, but he was able to walk out
every day He seemed to be trying to enjoy
life OF ease but he took little pleasure and had
no hobby with which TO occupy his time. He grew
moody at times and fancled that his business was
not being managed properly. Each member OF
the family al the hotel had separate ROOM the
rooms adjoining each other. Mrs Watson heard
her husband walking about in his room early
Yesterday morning and at o'clock she heard a
sound like the fall of heavy body on the floor.
Fearing that some accident had happened to
him. she tried to get into his room but found the
door locked.
She rang the electric bell to summon help. and
q hallboy appeared. Mrs. Watson then was In
great excitement, having called loudly to hF
husband without being able to get any answer.
The boy procured passkey and opened the door
of Mr. Watsons room. He saw MT Watsohs
body lying on the floor and pool of blood under
the head and shoulders Mr.. Watson had cut his
throat with a razor which was still casped in his
right hand Mrs Watson looked into the room
and tainted at the sight Of her husbands BODY.
DR. Townsend. the hotel physician. was called &c
the ROOM and, finding that Mr.. watson was deao'
he turned his attention to Mrs. Watson VINO was
hysterlcal Young George Watson was hepiess
in bed. telegram 10 Clarence watson eaieo
him from Newark SOON as possible
Later In the day Clarence Watson made ar
rangements for the removal Of his fathers body
from the hotel He said he knew of no motive
for the suicide as he supposed that his talnei
had been in comparatively good neath, anu
there was no reason to worry ABOUT the pusiieSs
in Newark -.
The suicide Of Mr.. Watson was shock TO busi.
ness men in Newark. to whom he was Wen
known. There was no cause FOR SUICIDE, as the
business OF the firm is prosperous 70.
some years he had been in poor health, ana
spent only about an hour each day at his place
OF business. He had handsome house at
Plainfield where he lived in the summer, spend
ing the winter r,onths in New-fork.
MIR Watson was born n Western New ork
fifty-seven years ago He went to Newark In
1859 and entered the clothing store OF the late
John McGregor as salesman. At the close OF
the War of the Rebellion he and Edward Dun
ham another salesman started in the clothing
business under the firm name Of Durham d
Watson their store being on the east side or
Rroad-st near Market-st., in Newark Mr..
Watson subsequently removed to the opposite
side of Broad-st., where he prospered for years.
Later he carried business at No. 19o Broad
6, He took his son, Clarence A., into partner
ship under the firm name # George Watson &
Co and the son has been the manager for sew
eral years owing tc his fathers falling health
Mr. watson was a director In the old Newark
savings Institution. At one time he was inter-
ested in the National State Bank as director.
He leaves = widow md two sons.