The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1896-12-12
Was 1t Snicide.

Thomas B. Reese of Meaderville, Mon,
died yesterday at the city Jail, where
he was taken in an unconscious con-
dition by officer Sullivan. The man
was recently from Wells, New. and had
been in the employ of the Salmon River
Mining and Smelling company as
furnace man. The cause of his death
is not known, but suicide is one of the
theories. He left Wells, New. a few
days ago and had been drinking heav-
lily for several days prior TO his leaving.
The officers attention was called TO
the man by some children. who said
there was a drunken man in the I'M
occupied house on Wall avenue, be-
tween Kiesels bakery and Murphy's
grocery. The officer took the man to
police headquarters, where he soon af-
forwards died.
Deceased WIS of medium size. rather
dark compleXioned, and well formed.
a letter on his person from his wife
showed that he was from Meadville.
Mont, but had gone to Wells, New, to
work.
The man never revived after he was
discovered. The house where he was
found was formerly used for a church
by colored people. \ good wood fire
was burning in the stove when the
officer went in. The inquest viii be
held this morning if the coroner de-
cides that one is necessary Mean
while. the remains are at Richeys I'M
dertakins establishment.
The letters from the dead mans wife
showed that they were hard pressed,
financially, and that he had several
children. The letters were posted at
GundeTson, Mont, though written at
Meadville. One of them was as fol-
lows:
Meadvile, Mon Nov. %. 1886.
My Dear Husbard-I should have writ
ten before. but did not have paper or
stamps, and you know just how ii is
with US. Thomas is working of and on.
and the best don't run steady and
guCs the hole place is going TO stop. so
they say, on the first of next month.
Can't you say how that place will be, for
we want to come. 1 know 1 can't get
much for the things, but we all want
TO come. We amt got any wood now:
only to tear the fence down and can't buy
any. Mr.. Lawrence wants TO know when
you can pay. for he thinks ii is q fraud
for he asked me four weeks ago about
you to pay. I tod him 7 could not pay.
Now, Tommie. let me know for we want
to come. 1 will send you San Francisco
paper. can't say now more for l do
not get any Butte papers. So all send
lots Of love. Willie and Matte go to
school-started the. day after you left.
They can't rustic for they have watch
men day and night
Well, 1 really don't know what to write
about. Willie Johnson has just come in
anu mas lOiu me 10 ASK you WEeN you
thought we all would go to you. Willie
johnson sends love to you. Also Thomas
and Matte and Lille and the baby sends
kisses to you. Accept the same from
your wife, ANNIE B. REESE,
In another letter dated November
the wife says:
We received your letter and we was so
anxious to hear from you. You say the
furnace hasn't got there yet. 1t takes long
to get t there. Thomas is on
night shift. He has a steady job as long
as il lasts. / pray it will run for a while.
can't hardly write for the baby is on
my lap and Lille wants to write to you.
had it reported that you was back again.
/ hope you will ike it for / am sick of
this place and Willie Johnson is crazy
to go 10 you. The children send love and
hope to have good news from you. From
your wife and children. Good NIGHT
A letter was also found on the man
from E. S. Shields, manager S. R. NJ. &
S. company The top of this letter was
torn off but it was surmised to be
from Wells, New. and was from
Shields, explaining that money would
be furnished by a Mr.. n. H. Grant
ing to pay Reese's expenses to Wells.
From a Southern Pacific employee.
The Herald reporter ascertained that
the man had been working for the
Salmon River Mining & Smelling COM
pany, and had been drinking heavily
for several days prior to his leaving
Wells. Further developments are ex-
pected today.