The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-05-03
They Called Him, But
the Song Writer Did
Not Awaken.
SUICIDE AT SHIRLEY
Edward Nickerson Ends
His Days Among
the Shakers.

Shirley, May Edward z. Nickerson
committed suicide here last Wednesday,
while visiting the Shakers. He was one
of the best known writers and singers
of religious sorgs in this country.
He was the Capt. Nickerson of Saliva
ton Army fame, who, a few years ago
stirred entire communities with song
and exhortation, but little less than
Moody and Sankey.
Nickerson was the author and pub
Usher of book of religious songs Of the
Salvation Army type, and he has set
such well known songs as Watts, "a
the cross, where I first saw the light
to stirring music.
He was widely known to the Shaker
communities of the United States, with
which he has always been in touch.
In was in the peaceful community
home of Elder John Whitley and Sister
Mary that he ended his days.
The pastoral Shirley Shakers have not
known before, in hale. century of eX-
istence, anything in their twn COM
munity so dreadful.
1t would be difficult to find in Wor-
cSSIer county y NlltdSS ttiOlS SSNieN-N
than the Shakers" and more out Oh
the path of the reporter and cores
pondent
Years ago NicXarson had business re-
lations with the Shakers. Several
years ago he visited both the Shirley
Shakers and the Harvard Shakers
Since then the Shirley Shakers had seen
nothing of him until Monday OF last
week, when he presented himself to
come to stay few days
Il have been thinking that 1 might
do worse than live with you alto
gether," he remarked.
He seemed in happy mood" said
Elder John to the correspond 7at OF The
Spy this morning, brit l sad nttIe 10
him about it. I wanted him to do what
in the Lords view was best for MIN.
On Monday evening Nickerson Joined
the Shaker community in a concert, and
sang with fervor ana sweetness the
characteristic Shaker hy1ns ana some
hymns of his own.
He was given a room in the building,
known as the office, and directly over
Elder Johns room.
Tuesday evening there was another
concert Nickerson seemed entirely
happy and sang song after song. He
sang again several songs of his own
composition.
Elder John was called to Boston,
Wednesday morning. He said goodbye
to his guest, and noted nothing I'M
usual in his manner. During the morn
ing Nickerson became i'll, the result, 1t
is supposed, of unknown poison Whlcn
he had taken. Sister Mary did what
she could to relieve him. About II
o'clock he said: Il will lie down and
try to sleep"
At noon he did not join the COM
munity at dinner. Sister Mary went up
to his room and found a note pinned
to his bedroom door, which said:
Dear Elder John: l am going TO
sleep and may not hear the hell ring
for dinner. Please call me. Edward"
Sister Mary knocked several times
without receiving any answer. Then
she opened the door. The body of Ed
ward Nickerson lay beside the bed. A
gaping wound in his throat and
bloody razor told how he died. He had
laid a rug on the floor, where his head
and shoulders were. On the rug was
wash bowl into which his life blood had
ebbed
Medical Examiner Benjamin Hart
well of Aver was called to the scene
and made his examination. He was
assisted by DR.. A. F. Fernald of this
town. DR.. Hartwell took charge of the
effects, which were afterward turned
over to his brother, c. H. Nickerson
of Fitchburg On his person was found
a bank book, showing a balance to his
credit, life insurance policy in force
for $500, 1927 in money and watch.
He was very well dressed and present.
ed the appearance of a prosperous
business man.
1t is understood that he leaves four
brothers. two sisters and son. He
has brother in Athol, another in Hol-
yoke and a third in Elm Grove. His
son, Herbert L NickersOn, lives in RoX-
bury. He was married, but his wife
died many years ago. A notebook
in his pocket gave informa
ton of his relatives, that communiea-
ton with them might be easy. These
notes indicated a vague dissatisfaction
with some of them.
The motive for his deed is unknown,
except that it is doubtless true that his
mind was unbalanced.