Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-08-21
Suicide of John Hockemeyer, a Re-
tired Business Man.
RESULT OF ILLNESS and DESPONDENCY
Old Resident of Washington and
Mason Of High Degree.
CORONER'S CERTIFICATE

Acute rheumatism and a dependency
which had ever been increasing with years
Of pain and Illness are said to be account
able for the death of John Hockemeyer, a
wen-known German resident of this city
and retired business man. Shortly before
II O'Clock this morning Mr.. Hockemeyer
shot himself in the head and died almost
instantly. The deed was committed at the
Business Mems Club, 719 9Th street. in
which the dead man was largely interested.
Hockemeyer lived happily, as his friends
believed. In the rooms situated on the up
per floors of the club building. 1t in
his apartments he chose to fire the fatal
shot. His wife was the only member of
the immediate family in the house at the
time. When she heard the report of ps-
tol Mrs. Hockemeyer rushed to her hus-
bands room, where she was soon joined by
one of the club attendants. Her husband
was lying upon the floor. Blood was rush
ing from his mouth and rapidly forming a
pool at his side.
Assistance was hurriedly summoned, but
when physician arrived there was nothing
to be done. Officer Harry Lanahan of the
sixth precinct station arrived few minutes
after the shooting. He felt for the wound
ed mans pulse, but there was none. His
heart had ceased to beat very short while
after the bullet had entered his mouth and
pierced the brain. Mrs. Hockemeyer was
deeply shocked DE tne unexpected ana
startling ragedy, and this afternoon is con-
fined to her bed suffering from nervous
proStratiOn.
Coroner Carr was notified of Mr.. Hocke-
meyers death, and after investigating into
the circumstances surrounding it, issued a
certificate of self-nflicted death.
Member of Masonic Order.
Mr.. Hockemeyer was Mason of high de-
gree. standing well up in the order, and be-
ing connected with the more prominent
lodges in this city. He was born in Ger
many, fifty-fve years ago, and removed to
this country with his parents when mere
boy. He had lived in Washington for the
past forty years, or since he was fftee
years of age.
For long time past the dead man had
been sufferer from rheumatism. He had
tried many remedies. but declared none
seemed to have any beneficial effect. AS
his age increased his sufferings became
more acute. He often complained, and
lamented his deplorable physical condition.
A times, however, he would brighten up
and look for recovery On these occasions
he would join in the merriment of his
friends. Notwithstanding his apparent de-
spCndency, neither his wife any of his
friends thought for instant that his
morbid condition was such as to engender
suicidal mania. Therefore this mornings
action was quite unexpected.
Mr. Hockemeyer arose this morning and
complained of not feeling well. He spoke
Of the heat and seemed to be in detected
frame of mind 1t was 10:45 o'clock when
the heavy report of pistol created
sternation in the club building and occa-
stoned commotion in the neighborhood.
Hockemeyer shot himself with a 44-caliber
pistol 1t would seem that he chose a
large weapon that he might be sure of its
work He placed the muzzle directly in his
mouth, pointing slightly upw ard, and fired.
The wound was an ugly one.
Louis Gundling, grocer, of 1923 18th
street. is a brother-in-law of the suicide.
He was summoned and will assist in the
arrangements for the funeral which have
not yet been completed.
Civil War Veteran.
MIR. Hockemeyer was a veteran of the
civil war, having served with considerable
distinction throughout that conflict He
was an excellent soldier. and was fire.
quently complimented by his superior off
Ger for daring display of bravery.
When the Business Mems Club was or
gs,nized, Mr. Hockemeyer was elected Its
president He owned the building IN which
the organization was located The club
has bce n known az different times as the
Fat Mems Club and the Beuna Vista Club.
1t Is composed almost entirely of Germans.
Lately Mr.. Hockemeyer had not publicly
appeared in connection with the organiza-
ton. but 1t was generally known he was
us packer and the moving spirit.
MT. iockemeyer vas engaged in the
meat business for number of years con-
Quoting a large establishment on upper
loth street He had been living a retired
life of late, however. Money matters never
worried him, for 1t is generally conceded
he had amassed considerable wealth.
The funeral will doubtless be large one
for the deceased was we'll known through
out the city, especially among the older
residents. 1t is understood he will be
buried with Masonic honors