Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1900-03-20
COLONEL WICKHAM SHOOTS
HIMSELF,

Colonel WINS. F. Wickham, by acct
dent or intent, shot himself Sunday at
terpoon in his chamber at his home, in
Powhatan, at 2 o'clock. Dinner bad
been announced AID Mrs. Wickham
bad left the room, thinking Colonel
Wicknam vas following, and had Roi-
ten only a few steps when she heard
the shot, and, rushing to the room,
found her husband on the floor with a
serioua wound in the temple. Colonel
Wickham left Richmond Friday af-
ternoon 10 20 to his home in Powhatau
county.
H. took with him his private secre
tary. Mr.. George Talley. Ga Saturday
the two we're to go to POwhatau COur'=
house TO take dispositions in case in
which Colonel Wickham was interest
ed. For some reason the dispositions
were not taken, and Mr.. Talley returG-
ed to Richmond Saturday evening. He
knew nothing of the shooting until yes
terdsy morning, when he received
brief letter from Mr.. Lee Dance, broth
er.iu-lsw OF Col Wickhsm, stating thai
Col. Wickham had accidentally sh i
himself, Uut he thought he would re-
cover 5000. DR.. Johnston yesterday
morning said that bullet had entered
the right side Of the face, and lodged 10
the neck, and while it was serious, the
wound was not necessarily fatal.
Colonel Wickham 10 Que OF the most
prcminen citizens of Powhatan couh'
fV. His wife wts Mis- Ould, OF Pow
hatan He hss pr&ctlc d law In Ricl-
mond for number OF years, being
partner OF his cousin, Judge L. Ashby
Wlckh ham, OF the Henrico county cour'.
He was at one time prominent Ia mi /
tary circls. He holds at this line the
position OF referee in bankruptcy for bis
section. Colonel Wi;kham IS one OF
the prominent republicans of the State,
aud has for years figured az G leader in
his party, and has been mentioned in
connection with the Vacahcy now ex-
listing 10 the Fourth congressional dis'
trict. He is political leader, and con-
trolls an extensive law practice. DE is
married and has three small children.
"He was never Ia better spirits than
on Friday night" said Mr.. Talley yes
terday morning. "One OF his children
was two years old at that lime, and the
birthday was beiog appropriately cele.
brated. We vent. hunting Friday
evening, and the colonel was apparent
ly very happy"
Owing to the weakness OF Col. Wick
han, the ball was not probed for. He
recognizes his acquaintance 8, but is not
conscious of the act OF the shooting.
He seems to think some Que has struck
him, and asks about his assailant. His
family see no reason for bis taking his
life, end assert that be was as we'll ~
ever and in perfect good cheer before
the accident. He was reported ], 81
eight from Powhatsn courthouse as
resting easily.
A prominent citizen of Powhatan
county reached Rcnmond yesterday,
and gave an account of the unfortunate
affair. He said that Colonel Wickham
has been 10 i'll health for several months
! and at times has been considered by
his family and friends to be despon'
dent.
The Richmond News says: Informa-
| ton was received here today of the &C.
cidental shooting Of Colonel w. F
| Wickham, at his bone in Powhatau
county. He was handling pistol in
his room when it was discharged and
the bullet entered the side OF his head
and came out OF his jaw. The wound
| is not serious and he will recover. His
many friends here were greatly dis
tressed at the occurrence, and were
much relieved TO learn that the wound