The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1899-04-26
Father, Ashamed Of Being
Supported by His Child
ren, Ends His Life.
JUMPS FROM FERRYBOAT
Fleming Leaves a Note in
His Hat Explaining
His Action.

Patrick Fleming, forty-two years DID,
of No 236 Duncan avenue, committed
suicide, last evening, by jumping from
the ferryboat Baltimore of the Des-
brosses street fine of the Pennsylvania.
Ferry, on its 5:15 trip from this city to
New York. Fleming was married and was
the father of nine children, the eldest of
which was twenty-five and the youngest
two years old
AS the ferryboat pulled out of the slip
the man walked out of the womens cabin
and stood looking over the rail. After
medftating a few seconds the man took
on his brown Fedora hat and laid 1t on
the deck, placing piece of paper in it,
on which was written the following
Il am the greatest monster that ever
set foot on this earth. I have ruined a
woman and nine children. A more ter
rible thing never happened since God
made this world There is not a dollar
or thing left for them. There is MOTH
ing left for them except to starve II
something isn't done for them.
1926 Duncan avenue"
The note was not signed The hat and
the note were brought back to this city
on the Baltimore's return trip A deck
hand gave them to Patrolman Entwhistle
of the Gregory street police station, who
brought them to Police Headquarters.
Chief Murphy at once dispatched an Off
Ger of the Ocean avenue station to the
above address, where it was learned that
the suicides name was Fleming.
Shortly after the matter had been re-
ported to the police reporter went to
the Fleming home The family occupied
a very pretty two-story and attic frame
cottage The furniture was of the best.
Everything had the appearance of pros
perity.
Mrs. Fleming, a very pleasant middle
aged lady when interviewed said:-@My
husband has been doing considerable
worrying of late over the fact that he
could not secure employment at his trade,
that of a plasterer. The fact that he was
being supported by his children also prey
ed upon his mind.
Mary. the eldest daughter is employed
as stenographer in Brill Brothers 125th
street store. She receives S14 a week and
with the earnings OF the other children,
the family had at least $35 a week to live
on. My husband, frequently remarked
that it was q crime 70 be supported by
his children. when he was able and will
ing to work
About two years ago he joined the
building and loan association with the
intention of purchasing the house in
which we live. He arranged with the
owners to buy it on the installment plan.
Everything went well for about a year
when Mr.. Fleming lost his position. He
unfortunately ran into debt and could not
meet the installments. Everything SEEM
ed to be against him until several days
ago when he was compelled to sell his
equity in the house. He received $500 as
his share. all of which but 10 he gave
to me. We then made up our mind to go
back to New York to live.
1t was while and my two daughters
were in New York that he committed tbs
rash act. Willie, aged 10. and KATIE,
aged 9, when We reached homie, shortly
after five O'Clock, told me that their fa-
ther had left the house hurriedly without
even kissing them goodbye. The ch3ldreIt
ter Mr.; Fleming, but could not catcfI
him. He walked towards West Side ave-
nue., and they thought he was epdua to
the home of friend. The cfIkld had
hardly had the words out OF her mouth.
when the doorbell was rung by the police
officer. He told me what had happened
and showed me the note, which ISread.
| could hardly realize what had hap
pened
The Fleming family moved to Jersey
City City about @ two years ago fronS No. ga
Fleming's body has not been recovered as
yet.