Pullman herald. [volume] (Pullman, W.T. [Wash.]) 1888-1989, 1899-11-11

A feeling of horror swept over our en-
tire community this morning when it
was learned that Otis Olmstead was
lying in his blacksmith shop with the
top OF his head blow entirely off. and
his brains scattered over the walls of the
building.
Last evening after eating his supper
he kissed his young wife good-bye. as
was his custom when leaving the house.
and walked down town saying he would
be back shortly. He was apparently in
his usual good spirits, and If he had made
up his mind to the awful deed he was
about to commit, he showed no signs of
1t AZ he walked away to return no more.
From all reports his home life has been
happy and he seemed contented and
prosperous in the little home he had
lately furnished for himself and his bride
of five months.
From to 8 p. m. he spent the time at
the bowling alley taking part in a num-
Der of games and seemingly as Jolly as
anyone in the hall. After that he went
into Plough d Waters and inquired the
price OF their shotgnns saying he wanted
to get one provided he could get it on
time. However, no bargain was made
and from there went into Royce's saloon
and shook the dice couple of times
with the .barkeeper, laughing and chat
ting all the while. He took couple of
small drinks OF whiskey and turned to
Mr.. Royce asking him for the loan Of his
shot gun, saying that he wanted to kill
some cats that had been making night
hideous about his home. Securing the
gun, he departed with a jovial goodnight,
and this was the last time he was seen
alive. About this time his wife, who
had been ill for some time, became un-
easy about her husbands unusual alb
sence and sent word to her brother-in-
law, Mr.. McIninch, to find him if possi-
bic and have him come home. Mr.. Me-
lninch kept up fruitless search all
night, and this morning the wife was
walking distractedly up and down the
walk IN front OF her home az &. A.
Greenlees, partner OF Olmstead, came
along and opened the shop. He spoke
pleasantly to her across the street and
stepped inside his place of business.
The first object that met his view was
the dead body of his partner lying in a
pool of blood while all around was evil
dence Of the fearful deed that had been
committed.
From the appearance OF the body and
its surroundings it seems that OlmsteaI
crawled in one of the back windows,
took oHhis coat, vest and bat, then re-
moved his shoes and socks and deliber-
ately placing the muzzle of the gun in
his mouth, pulled the trigger with his
toes, blowing the entire top of his head
Off Mr.. Greenlees reported tho affair
Immediately to the authorities and the
horrible news was broken as gently as
possible to the still waiting wife, who
now lies in a critical condition.
After careful inquiry the only cause
that can be adv need for the suicide
seems to be trouble over settlement
with his sformer partner, Olmstead claim
ing that he was beat out OF his sum
mer's earnings Brooding over this
matter, whether fancied or true, may
have caused him in a fit Of dependency
to commit the deed Coroner Crawford,
of Colfax, has been sent for and will hold
an inqueat this afternoon at which time
some additional facts may be brought
out The deceased was 20 years old and
a member of the Woodmen in
which he carries an insurance of $1,000
in favor of his wife.