Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-09-11
DIED BY HIS OWN HAND
Sick and Despondent, Charles Mead, Veteran
Fireman, Commits Suicide.
Mind Probably Unbalanced by suf-
Quarter Of . Century.

Charles Mead, whose long service in the
fire department had impaired his health.
and whose mind was probably affected,
ended his life last night at sihome. No.
AT street northwest. by cutting his throat
with q razor
The unfortunate man, who was about
fifty-five years DID, had served on ensines
and trucks for nearly thirty years, and in
all the department there was not a more
trusted or q Drawer fireman. He had done
service at almost every big fire in this city
for quarter of a century. but during re-
cent months his health declined, and he
had been confined to his room some little
time. an almost helpless invalid To In
crease both his mental and physical suf-
fering, he was fast losing his hearing and
he seemed to fully realize. that in a short
time he would become. entirely helpless
Death was to him preferable to this con-
dition of affairs. While 1t is stated he had
expressed such preference he never limited
an intention to take his own life. -
Because of his long and faithful service
Chief Paris had put him on the watch
roll OF his company, truck D, and this
really amounted to pensioning him. While
on this roll he really had no work to d.
and was able to remain at home each night.
Even this easy position did not have the
eject of restoring his health, and recently
he has been attended by DIR. Mayfield one
OF the surgeons of the police and fire de-
partments.
Could Not Respond.
friend of the f1reman's called last night
and spent some time with the respondent
patient. Mead conversed but little and his
Illness seemed to be preying upon his mind
very much.
When the visitor got ready to leave Mrs.
Mead accompanied him to the front door.
Just about this time an alarm of fire was
sounded, and the ringing of the bells of the
fire engines, as they went along Massa-
chusetts avenue, were heard by the sick
man But he was unable to leave his home
and respond to the alarm. The noise OF
the engines called to his mind more clear
ly the fact that he had answered his last
alarm. and getting out Of bed he went to
the bureau and took his razor from the
drawer. Standing there, perhaps looking
In the glass; he used the sharp weapon
and made an ugly wound, which extended
almost from ear to ear. His wife, standing
near the front door at the time, did not
hear the noise caused by the falling of her
husband, probably because of the noise
made by the moving engines. When Mead
had used the weapon he fell to the floor
his head striking on a stool. and tnen he
rolled to the corner. 1t was In this posi-
ton that Mrs. Mead found him when she
returned to the sick room There was a
80
gaping wound satisfied her that there vas
not the slightest hope that he would live,
If he were not already dead. ~
Shock to the Wife.
Mrs. Mead had never before experie lced
SO severe nervous shock. but she man
aged to call a neighbor and tell him what
mad happened. The neighbor responded
without delay and found that life was ex-
tinct. Chief Paris was sent for, and visit
ed the house as soon as he returned from
a fire. Policeman Wannell was also sum
moned. and made a report of the sad af-
fair to the coroner.
Coroner Carr called at the house and
made an investigation. From the circum-
stances he concluded that an inquest was
not necessary, and gave a death certif1-
cate.
1t is the opinion of friends of the dead
man that his mind had become impaired by
reason of sickness, and that he lid not
realize what he was doing
Funeral Arrangements.
The funeral of the dead fireman will take
place tomorrow afternoon at O'Clock a
detail of thirty-two firemen. under Assist
ant Chief Belt, will escort the body to Conr
gressional cemetery. The services will be
conducted by the Rev. Chapman.
RI ~t,sJ