The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1898-03-04
JuInpcd To Death.


CHICAGO. Ills, March IA local
paper prints the following sensational
story:
When William H. Dodson prepared 10
commit suicide last evening lac elected 10
have his act of self-destruction dramatic
and sensational. and witnessed by
street crowd. lie climbed out upon the
ledge of third-story window in Lyon
Brothers notion store 80 Madison street,
at o'clock. when the pavements below
were throngcd with pedestrians and
balancing himself upon the narrow sill
peered down through the dusk upon the
countless heads moving many feet be-
low him.
None looked up and as IL eager TO
have his last act on lifa's stage receive
notice fitting It's weirdress the man
shouted loudly. His cry. which was
warning 10 look out. instantly brought
the attention of hundreds TO his position,
and when Dodson gathered himself up
and leaped his body was hurled toward
q line of uplifted. terrified faces.
In the bodys fight it turned over and
over and was borne by its momentum
clear of the sidewalk and Of the groups
Of men and women who had been too
startled to move when they Witnessed
the fatal jump. The suicide alghted on
his head. His skull was crushed and he
made no move after his form had struck
the cobblestones When those nearest
the scene reached the body Dodson was
dead
Policeman OMara heard the cry and
saw the leap at Fifth avenue lie ran to
the place of tragedy and found crowd
blocking the sidewalk II was dispersed
and the patrol wagon conveyed the re-
mains 10 Rolston's undertaking estab-
lishment. ~ Adams street.
Dodson was employed as n repairer in
Lyon Brothers watch department lie
was q years old unmarried and lived
with an uncle \. y. Royuton. 47i7 State
street His parents live I'm Manchester.
Iowa. and are wcll TO do. For several
weeks hc had suffered with attacks OF
malarial fever and had been Respondent
in consequence.
PREPARATIONS FOR THE LEAP.
Manager Edward Rothschild of the
watch department. Louis licrZog and ISL
dore Schricbsr were present I'm the room
from thc window of which Dodson jump
cd. lie had arisen from his bench with
out saving word and walked 20 the
window facing in Madison street. The
three men supposed he was preparing 10
leave for home llc attempted 10 raise
the window. but failed. and then broke
the glass with his fist. striking until
the opening was large enough for him
10 stem through. He worked quickly and
when his fellow workmcn started toward
him. shouting for him 20 stop he was on
the ledge and had walked several steps
from the window. Schricber stepped
through The broken window and follow
ed him but Dodson told him to keep
away or he would get hurt.
efl A.
and had nearly graspcd him. when the
man archcd his hands above his head.
shouted the warning 10 those below and
jumped with arms extended. His friend
trcmbli~clv managed 10 make ms way
back 10 the open window and into the
store.
David r. Lyon. q member OF the firm
was notified. the body was brought into
the store and the employees were quick
~ dismissed.
Manager Rothschild thinks Dodson had
been meditating suicide FOR several days.
Friday evening he informed the manager
he was going 20 give up his position the
next day
lie came to work yesterday morning,
however. and drew his last weeks salary
check In his pockets was an old-iasn-
toned picture of young girl. ana ne
wore "a small gold band ring In which
were engraved the words clyde TO Anna.
June 70. 1Sgi.' Besides the uncle with
whom ne lived Dodson has another UNI
Gle. Il. 3. Boynton. 1900 west Van Buren,
street A. one time Dodson lived Ian
Blnghamton. y. Y