The times., 1897-09-11
NEARLY SEVERED His HEAD
Charles Mead, a Veteran Fireman
Commits Suicide With a Racer.
und Been a Long Time iii and Had
Become Very Despoedent Be-
canse OF His Condition.

When the smoking fire engines dashed
past his house last night, Oh aries Mead,
veteran in the department looked out
OF tile window and realizing that his
health would never permit him TO again
re-eater the ranks of the brave fire Iaddies,
he turned hack dismayed and with razor
nearly severed his head from his body
A few moments later, when his wife re-
turned TO the room, she found him lying
in one corner upon the floor in a pool OF
blo1d. He had been dead bat short
time. There was ghastly gaping wound
In lis throat, which nearly reached from
ear to ear.
The Mortified woman rushed down stairs
and at once sent for Chief Paris, WHO
was then az small fire at Seventh and
III streets. Upon his arrival, Chief Paris
took charge OF tle body until the arrival
OF Coroner Carr.
Charles Mead was fifty-flve years 81
age, and in point or service one Of the
oldest members OF the fire department.
se was appointednearly twenty Eight years
ago, and up To about two years ago re
mained in active service. Then ms health
began to fail hini, and he was placed on
what is known as the watch roll, where
the duties were light ana permitted him
TO remain at home nights.
Tie never again did active duty and was
practically on the refined list. For tie
past seven weeks he had been confined 10
his home, No. ATT 1 street, entirely and
been attended by DR.. Ma yield, physician
to the fremen. He suffered from ii com
plicatio2 of several diseases, chiefly nervou:
prostration and rheumatism, which gave
him at times great pain. Besides, since
December last, he had become almost
totally deaf and could only hear when
lis friends shouted to him For this
reason he talked but little and became, on
this account, very melancholy and sad, and
sometimes said that hs would sooner die
than live as ne was compelled to do His
friends and DR.. Mayfield thank that Mr..
Mead's Illness preyed upon his mind aud
rendered Gin unaccountable for his rash
deed
DR.. Mayield had left the patient a
short time before O'Clock and Mrs. Mead
had gone down stairs and was sitting in
the front yard talking to neighbor when
the fire alarm sounded and engine con-
pany No. dashed up Massachusetts, ave
nue. past the house. A few moments later
she went upstairs to attend to her hus
hands wants, and found him in the con
dition described. He was undreSsed ex
cept for his underclothes, md the razor
was tightly olutched by the fingers Of his
right hand He had gone to the window
as the engine passed and then imnedia tely
taken cut the weapon and committed sui
eide.
He was one OF the best firenlen who
ever served under me" said Chief Paris
Last night Brave and fearless in time of
danger, and he never shirked his duties.
i could always depend upon him." Mr.
Mead was member of Truck d, and a de
tail from that company win attend his
funeral. He leaves widow but 10 chill
dTen.
The facts concerning the suicide ware
reIated to Coroner Carr by Chief Paris
and Policeman Wannell, who was called in
and made report, so that Dr. Carr de
citled that an Inquest was not necessary.