The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-09-10
SUICIDE OF w. H. TUCKER
PRESIDENT OF A wELL-KNOwN
MANUFACTURING CONCERN.
In Bad Health RecentIy-Fired Two
shots from a Revolver
Into Himself.

William III. Tucker. president of the
Tucker-Dorsey Manufacturing Company
committed suicide yesterday morning at the
Office of the factory, corner of Bates street
and State avenue, by shooting himself. The
first shot took effect in the left breast,
slightly below the heart, and the second
entered the right temple and buried itself
in his brain. The act was premeditated and
well planned. There is some doubt as to
the immediate cause.
After a sleepless night Mr.. Tucker rose
yesterday morning and made his toilet with
unusual care. Even after the morning meal
he returned to his apartments and changed
the trousers which he had put on earlier
for pair of black ones. His black coat
and vest were also donned. Daniel l.. Dor
sey, member Of the firm, has been board
ing at the home of Mr.. Tucker, al 1926
Fletcher avenue, and it has been their GUS
tc m to drive to their place of business each
morning. Before starting yesterday Mr..
Tucker remarked that he would like to have
dose of morphine and end all his troubles,
and on the way to the factory he repeated
the statement. but nothing was thought of
the matter He has been respondent and
in poor health for a long time, and several
times in the last three weeks has spoken
of ending his own life. The two men en-
tered the office together, and Mr. Dorsey
began at once the days duties. For about
two years Mr.. Tucker has not been actively
connected with the business Of the Office.
though he has gone to the office frequently.
When they arrived yesterday the book
keeper. z. L. Northam, was already busy
at his desk, and answered Mr.. Dorsey's
query as to the mail. TIE postman it hap
pened, was just approaching, and Mr.. Dor
sey stepped out OF the door and around the
corner of the building to receive the mail.
The bookkeeper had busted himself at the
telephone, with his back toward the office
end Mr.. Tucker had walked around the few
0esks that are between the door and his
cwn, and. without wasting any time, opened
a drawer and pulled out a SS-caliber re-
volvec which is kept there for the night
Waterman ana to afford protection to the
ONCE through the day. Some G.. A. r.. pa
4 Rers were lying on top of the pistol. and
tnese were laid carelessly on the top of
the desk. Then, evidently intending to
snoot himself through the heart, he pressed
and fired. The bullet went a little low and
ne retained consciousness, though it is said
mat this wound would of itself have proved
The report startled the bookkeeper and
ne turned, thinking that Mr.. Tucker had
PROBABLY discharged the revolver through
order. AS he turned he saw his EMPLOYER
lying across his desk, with the Smoking
revolver in his, hand. Then he saw him
again he heard the report. With this shot
Mr.. Tucker fell to the floor Every effort
was made to resuscitate him. Mr.. Dorsey
the report, and hurried in, only to find his
friend and partner bleeding on the floor
ne died almost instantly, and was removed,
after the coroner had been called to his
nome on Fletcher avenue.
DESPONDENT OVER ILL HEALTH.
Mr.. Tucker has been in i'll health for a
long time and had come to point where he
believed he was beyond cure. He has
brooded over his trouble, which is of a
nervous order, and it IS said the result of
a runaway accident. and has consulted sew
eral physicians without much encourage
ment. About five years ago, when consider
ing horse trade, he took a young animal
for trial and with a companion started on
a short drive. The young horse frightened
and ran away. The lines were weak and
broke. leaving the occupants of the buggy
at the mercy of the animal. They eacn
jumped and Mr.. Tucker was caught in the
lap robe and dragged a short distance in
juring his head and face. Physicians told
him at the time that he had received a shock
from which he could never permanently re-
cover. His friends cite this as one cause
of his condition yesterday. He spent the
greater part of last month at West Baden,
but returned in even poorer flesh than when
he left. 1t is also said that the death of
his wife a little over year ago did much
toward weakening his mind Added to this
ne has had two sisters and a brother die in
the last two years.
= 1t is said that lately the condition of Mr..
Tucker has been much more alarming mem
tally, than ever before. Not long ago he
made business deal in Milwaukee which it
was necessary for the firm to repudiate even
though it were made by its head He is the
inventor of the tucker till" which Is
known widely over the country.
Mr.. Tucker remarked short time ago
that he carried life insurance to the extent
of 5000
Mr.. Tucker was born in Williamantic,
Conn.,, in 1854, where he was reared. Dur
ing the civil war he enlisted with a Wiscon-
sin company as a sergeant, and took part in
the battles. of Shiloh, Corinth and Vicks-
burg. AT the close Of the war he came to
this city and shortly after entered the hard
ware business. He was prominent in the
G. A. r. and was awarded gold medal by
that organization for his efforts in estab-
fishing the Soldiers Home at Lafayette.
He leaves one daughter, Willamette, fifteen
years old. The funeral will take place from
his home Sunday afternoon and the Scottish
Rite, G. A. r. and U. " l.. will participate.