The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1900-08-04
He PREFERRED DEATH
J. R. Senior, a Consumptive,
Shoots Himself in the Head.
NO HOPE FOR RECOVERY
Was Sick and Realized That
Death Was Near.

Sick and respondent and knowing that
death was only question of few
short days John R. Senior shot himself
in the head last night at the home of his
sister, Mrs. W. B. Frazier, III South
Washington avenue, and will die.
The deed was committed about 7:3o and
the. weapon used was a S2-calibre Colts
revolver mounted on A frame. The
revolver was held in the right hand and
the bullet struck the side of the face,
blowing into the right temple, and com
ing out at the top and near the front
of the head. The bullet struck the door
sill just few feet away from the injured
man. The relatives Of the young man
were all out of the house when the act
was done, and Immediately after hearing
the shot, rushed in and found him lying
in a hammock with a large pool Of blood
on the floor under him. The revolver had
fallen from his hand and caught on the
pocket Of his shirt, where it remained
until taken away by his sister. Every
thing was done for the injured man that
was possible, but the doctors would give
no hope for his recovery.
Only six months ago. when he lived in
Hume, No, John R. Senior was strong
and robust young man. Contracting the
disease of consumption he knew that his
life was a short one His father and
mother both died of the same disease
only a few years ago.
Hoping 20 grow stronger and better, the
young man decided to go to Las Vegas,
New Mexico, and for several months
lived in that city. He continued to get
worse and was finally told by his ply
sicians that nothing could be done to
bring him into his former physical con-
diton. Thinking to see his relatives for
the last time, he started for his old
home, but stopped off here to spend a
few weeks in a last visit with his sister
After his coming everything possible was
done to aid the young man. but it was
all in vain. He became weaker and weak
er and finally had to be carried up and
down stairs. His voice sank to a whisper
which could scarcely be heard.
The time came when he could only sit
up at intervals and he passed the great
er part Of each day lying in his hammock
which had been arranged near a window
in his room.
For the last few days the young man
had been respondent over his condition
and had refused to be comforted. Evil
IDENTIFY he had realized that death was
soon to come, death which he could not
ward off
The revolver which he used was own
ed by him and had been in his possession
for some time. He had often talked Of
selling it, remarking at times that he
would never need it again. He told his
brother-in-law, w. B. Frazier, to take
1t down town to dispose of it for him
and Mr.. Frazier had taken it with the
intention OF cleaning it up. He did not
do it for several days and yesterday SEN
ior asked his sister for the weapon, say
ing when she gave 1t to him that he
would clean It up tomorrow. The revolver
was taken to his room and was put a way
by him.
At the supper hour the family gathered
as usual, but no one noticed any change
in the invalid. He seemed RESPONDENT.
as he had been for several days, and in
the talk of the evening became brighter
than usual No member of the family
had any intimation what was to follow
later, that would end the life of the sick
man
John R. Senior was well known in
Hume. No. and owned considerable
property in that state. He had property
interests in Las Vegas, besides IN several
places in this state.
His brother, c. II. Senior is a mer-
chant in Las Vegas and was telegraphed
to last night. Another brother. william
Senior, lives IN I3ime, No. and is ex-
pected in the city tonight.
One Of the last desires of The young
man in his illness had been TO again try
the Colorado climate, but unlike others
similarly afflicted, he fully realized that
81 was too late He had talked over the
situation with his people yesterday and
seemed TO dwell on the thought tht
trip to Colorado might have helped him
The young man wss still alive at
O'clock this morning and was conscious a |
greater portion OF the time He was not
apaole OF talking. but seemed to under
stand what was said 20 him, answering |
ythe tightening of the hand which held !
his His condition, however. was such |
that all present felt that he could not !
live until the dawn Of another day.
CIIT Tn pCHANCQ M0NEN