Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-06-04
DEATH WAS SUDDEN.
MIR. n. l.. HOFFMAN was ACCI-
DENTALLY POISONED.
FOUND In HIS NEW DRUGSTORE.
Having Left Here "a Week Ago With
Bright Prospects, n Richmond
MINIS Life Was Sadly Ended In
Newport Ncws--Reccntly Married.

In a telegram to his widow received
yesterday afternoon, the sad intelligence
of the sudden death, in Newport News,
of Mr.. Roland l.. Hoffman was conveyed
to his friends here, who heard with deep
sorrow of his untimely and altogether
unexpected demise.
Only a week ago yesterday the de-
ceased left this city, with the brightest
prospects and in the happ.est frame OF
mind. expecting to embark I'm the drug
business in Newport News on his own
account, he having FOR more than three
years been the popular prescription
clerk for Mr.. NJ. f. Seay, at No. SSi
south Pine street.
His body was found yesterday about
o'clock, and It was thought in New
port News that he had committed suicide
but there being absolutely no reason for
any such action on the part of the un-
fortunate young man, this theory was
soon exploded, and an inquest being
held over the remains, the Coroner
Jury returned a verdict Of death from
accidental poisoning
THE DETAILS FROM NEWPORT
NEWS.
The following special was received last
night from the Dispatch's correspondent
at Newport News:
"Mr. r. l.. Hoffman, druggist, was
found dead i'm the wareroom of his store
here this afternoon at l O'Clock. MI
Hoffman came here a week ago with the
intention of engaging in the drug pusl-
ness. and he rented store-room OH
Washington avenue He had purchased
his stock and was preparing 10 coih-
mence business i'm a day or So lie was
last seen alive about 10 o'clock Tuesday
night. when a messenger boy handed
him a telegram from Richmond, when
was signed Davies, presumably MS
brother-in-law. as the message reau'
Liz anxious to know how you are. No
letter, as expected. H..
"He answered the dispatcn py saSlns
he was well. and that he had written
TO his wife on May 3lst. Wednesday Two
business kilograms were received lor vi
uoffman from a Richmond firm, regard
ing some notes, and the messenger
went TO his place of business several
times. but each time he FOUND the uooi
closed.
SUSPECTED SOMETHING WRONG.
"About noon to-day he went to the
store again, and found the door loche''
He then remarked that he believed tne
man was dead. This excited interest III
the locality and an Investigation was
made. a gentleman effecting an entrance
TO the store through back Winuo"'
He was startled when he discovered MI
Hoffman lying on An improNlseu co''
-. . AnHfN o..
dead. his right hand clutchlng an S-oulce
bottle which was labelled chlorolorm. cl
a small table was an empty Wal ana
medicine-glass half full OF water be-
ceased was dressed in plue SUIT VI
clotbes There is a diversion of opinion
as to whether IL was a case ol su,c.ue
or the result of an accident, but those
who have inquired into the lac's pe-
lieve it is the latter.
chairman was formerly engaged In the
drug business in Roanoke, Va, but seve-
raj wears ago his partner committed sui
eide there by jumping Off the ROANOKE
bridge.
Nothing is known of Hoffman's fnan-
cial condition. except that he had money
I'm bank here and seemed 10 be IN good
spirits He regarded the outlook here as
being very encouraging.
"A letter was found in his coat pocket
from his wife. 1t was of a recent date
and affectionate I'm character. No cause
has been assigned for the deed.
IT WAS ACCIDENTAL.
Later the following telegram was re-
ceived
Coroner B. r. Gary held an inquest
over the body at o'clock this evening,
and after hearing the testimony the jury
rendered verdict that the deceased came
TO his death by accidental poisoning by
chloroform. Mr. Dave Davies, OF Rich
mond. a brother-nIaw of Mr.. Hoffman,
arrived here this evening and testified
that there was no reason for suicide, as
the family relations were pleasant and
deceased was not financially embarrassed.
The remains will be taken to Richmond
shis morning for interment,'
Mr.. Hoffman was a native Of Bedford
City. where his mother and several
brothers now live and was man or
sterling qualities and high character. He
married on the 18TH of last October Miss
Lizzie Davies, the daughter of Mr.. w. II.
Davies. of No. 227 south Be,videre street,
and had lived happily and contentedly
with her up to the time Of his departure
for Newport News last week.
WIFE WAS TO FOLLOW.
He decided to embark i'm business there,
and left his wife here with the under
standing that she was TO follow him as
soon as he could secure suitable quarters
for her She received a letter from him
on Friday, telegram on Saturday, ana
a postal card on Wednesday, bearing date
of June 1st Cruesday.
All of these messages were bright and
cheerful. and Mrs. Hoffman had de-
termined to go down on the excursion
Yesterday morning to spend the day with
him. For some reason. though, her plans
miscarried, and she remained at home
only 10 receive the telegram announcing
her husbands death. which completely
prosirated her.
The remains wiz arrive here this morn
ing. and the funeral will take place some
time tomorrow from the First Presby-
terian church. The interment VIII be in