The Globe-republican. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1889-1910, 1900-02-08
A TRAGIC DEATH.
Suicide OF w. H. Pearce.

Sttcl0s Dy shooting himself IN the head
with pistol. The deed probably
done at 80 O'Clock, as the report of a
pistol shot was heard at that time from
the room occupied by Mr.. Pearce in the
Opera house building. Not appearing at
the York Key Mercantile store at the
usual time, search was made for him,
and he was found in his room. lying
on the floor, with n pistol in his
Aand- He was only partially dressed, and
when he committed the fatal deed he
was evidently facing the mirror of the
dressing case 1t is supposed that he had
not retired. as his bed not disturbed
The unfortunate man had bruises his
face and his clothing covered with
dust He had evidently wandered in the
night in great distress of mind. The
true causes of the deeply deplored
tragedy will be made public soon.
The shot took effect in the right temple
about two inches back of the eye, and
the body was lying face downward in
pool of blood. Geo. r. Todd had been
requsted by John B. Martin of the York
Key etore, to learn of Mr.. Pearce,s
whereabouts. Mr.. Todd went to the
locked. He procured a key and unlock
ed the door, and discovered the deceased
sying the floor as stated.
The following note, which is the only
explanation of the rash deed, was found
on the dresser, addressed to Mr.. Todd.
The note was written at 7:3O, and reads
follows:
4+GEoRGE:
1 cannot face the accusations that
will be made against me- If L were not
broken down nervously I would do it,
even though L cleared myself eventually
L would be ruined anyway. Be kind to
10 nd fIo
Gail; also Nina and yourself. Goodbye,
and if I doing wrong, God in his in
finite mercy forgive me.
HARRY
On the Wednesday preceding, Mr..
Pearce purchased a pistol at tn store of
the Zimmerman Hardware Company
and with this pistol he shot himself.
w. H. Pearce was i'll charge of the
business affairs of the York-Key Mercan-
tile company, and he was also manager
OF the opera house. F. B. York, of the
mercantile firm, was engaged with Mr..
Pearce. on checking up the company's
business for the past year. The work had
not been completed when MIR. Pearce
committed suicide. The safe was locked,
and the combination was unknown. cx-
-cept to MIR. York. who had the combina-
tion ia safe in St. Louis. In order to
obtain this combination Mr.. York was
obliged to leave for St. Louis Sunday
evening The combination conld not be
obtained otherwise, it was not found
on Mr.. Pearce's person.
Coroner HoIlopeter was summoned
and inquest was held Friday after
noon. The jury returned verdict that
the deceased came to his death by his
own hand. MIR. York testified that his
relations with Mr.. Pearcs were always
pleasant. The tender note showed the
sympathy the deceased mad for his wife
and for MIR. Todd and family.
The deceased was insured for 50, 900 in
the A. o. u. w, and $500 in the Aetna
insurance company.
w. H. Pearce came from Ieaven-
worth to Dodge City In 1887, and was
book-keeper for for r. N. Wright 6 Co.
for some time. He was variousIy en-
K1loyed, having had charge of the water
works and electric light plant at one
time. He was exact in all matters and a
, good business man. He was always
courteous and polite, and he was highly
esteemed by every with whom he
had social and business Intercourse. His
death is sadly and sincerely regretted.
Mrs. Pearce, who was in Kansas City,
was Informed of the death of her hus-
band, but owing to a delay, she did not
arrivs- here here until Saturday night.
Her many friends here deeply sym
pathise with her in her affiietion and
bereavement.
w. II. Pearce was born in Utica, n
", and was 43 years of age at the time
of his death. He was married to Miss
Minnie Sheldon is in this city in Novem-
Der, 1890. Nc children were born to
them The deceased was a member of
the Episcopal church.
The funeral services were held Sunday
afternoon in the opera house, and were in
charge OF the A. o. Il. w.
The following persons composed the
choir: Rev. VIM. Westwood, P H
Young, Mrs. B. F. Milton, Mr.. D.
Swinehart. Mr.. s. J. Crumbine, Miss
Pilgrim, Karl Miller and Charles Milton
The choir sang the following familiar
hymns: Rock of Ages, Nearer my God
70 thee. and Safely in the arms of Jesus