Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-08-03
.LIFE'S FITFUL DREAM OVER
A 0ne-Time Society Leader Dies in tho
Washington Almshouse.
Intervention of Friends Only Will
Prevent IRterment of Her Re-
mains In POtter's Field.

Probably more sinned against than sim
ming the victim of circumstances which
slowly but surely made her life a burden
and death a blessing in disguise. Mrs. Ma
RE l.. Reynolds died in the Washington
almshouse about o'clock Sunday night.
Dissipation INDUCED IN to kill the despond-
oncy from which she suffered. as the re-
suit of her troubles, was the primary
cause. The death certificate. however.
signed by Dr. Charles Janus, gives pneu-
monia and heart failure. The latter was
brought on by an overdose of laudanum
taken last Thursday.
The body of the woman, who formerly
occupied a prominent position in Washing
ton society now lies In plain coffin in an
undertaking establishment at 81 9th street
northwest. Unless some relative or friend
steps in and claims it before tomorrow
night it will be buried in the potter's field,
among the pauper dead.
4 Sud History.
Mrs. Reynolds was first the wife Of Ed
ward NJ. Hart, U. S. n. After his death
she married Reynolds, and the couple had
domestic troubles and separated, the wife
eLdeavoring to support herself. She Sc
cured position in one Of the departments
and prospered for while, but she lost this,
and tried to make a living for herself by
applied for shelter at the Women's Chris
tian Home, from where she went to the
Washington Asylum Hospital. Afterward
Sanitary Officer Frank gave her an order
to the almShouse.
Inmates of the institution are occasion
ally, when mentally and physically fit, per-
mitted to leave for day at time. Thurs
day morning she told the superintendent
she wished to have a days leave and was
granted it. She stated she was coming to
the city to look after place in the Navy
Department, for which she had made ap-
plication.
Her Appeal for Aid.
A few days before her death she wrote to
official ct the State, War and Navy
building as follows:
Mr.. Stewart is away. I saw the Secre-
tary of the Navy. He said he would talk
with - and do the best he could. Do
the best you can and you will not regret
it. l am sure if l do not get some relief /
shall surely die or kill myself. l cannot
stand it l shall be more than grateful to
You all my life. Yours respectfully,
MARIE l.. HART.
'.Almshouse"
She signed her first husbands name pre-
sumabiy because she had separated from
Reynolds.
The place she wanted was that of a char
woman, and she would most likely have
secured it.
When Mrs. Reynolds returned to the
almshouse. Thursday night, it was seen
that she was under the influence of some
KIND of drug. A three-ounce bottle con-
tanning lauianum, and a half-pint of wllis-
ky were taken from her. BY supreme eff
forts put forth by the physicians her life
was saved. She finally recovered sufficient
ly to talk lucidly, but refused to state
whether or no she had intended to kill her
self Waen she took the drug.
BY Friday evening catarrhal pneumonia
lad developed and she fingered until Sun
cay evening at o'clock. 1t is the opinion
of the physicians that she was addicted to
she had been deprived of it for some time
her craving was great when she secured
II that she took too much.
Appen rance of n Lady.
The woman was about thirty mine years
of age. and one needed but a glance at her
TO see that, although she had fallen far
below her former estate, she had been a
lady. She was rather above the average
height, with fine figure, strong features
and d head of beautiful white hair She
was extremely reticent as to herself at the
almshouse, and said nothing except that
she had been twice married, each time to
a naval pay master. 1t is believed the last
A. j. Reynolds, is still living here 1t is
also believed she has married daughter
named Shoemaker.
Paymaster Edwin NJ. Hart. her first hus-
band, resigned July IT, 1865
Unless, as stated, the. body is claimed by
tomorrow evening, it will be inferred in the
potter's field by direction of the health Of
flee.