New-York tribune., 1901-04-10
DR.. GUERNSEY A SUICIDE.
WELL KNOWN PHYSICIAN FOUND DEAD
IN A FIELD.
GLASS AND BOTTLE WITH CARBOIIC
ACID CRYSTALS IN 1T BESIDE HIS BODY
HAD WORRIED OVER A PATIENT
FAMILY STATEMENT

DR. William Noah Guernsey. a we'll known
physician of No. % West Fifty-second- st, was
found dead yesterday morning in a field at One
hundred and -sixty-sixth-st and River-ave. The
body was discovered by some laborers who We're
on their way to work The indications pointed
10 suicide Beside the body when it was dis
covered empty bottle and a glass
Crystals in the bottle were found to be those of
carbolic acid.
The body was identified by papers and letters
found in the pockets. Later DR.. Egbert Guern-
sey. an uncle and Miss Florence Guernsey
cousin. confirmed the Identification. The body
was taken 10 the Morrisania police station. where
Coroner's Physician Reigelman viewed it. There
was $T3 80 in the pockets.
The clothing on the dead was not
dsarranged. There was no sign of a struggle.
and the presence of the money and jewelry pre-
cIude any idea of assault for robbery.
DR. Guernsey was last about 11:30
O'Clock Monday night. when he called at
the Hotel san Reno 10 one of his
patients He seemed to be in good spirits
at the time 1t was his custom to telephone his
wife whenever he remained away from home
over night but no message came from him after
Monday. An investigation was started. and this
brought forth the fact of his leaving the San
Reno at IL 80 o'clock. There is trace OF his
wanderings after that time.
DIR. Guernsey was born in Litchfeld. Conn.
ffty-two years ago. He enjoyed good health
until about month ago, when he was attacked
nv the grip He remained in the house for
about a week and then, against the advice OF
his friends insisted upon going out 20 see pa
tents He developed nervousness, insomnia,
and was noticed TO be moody and depressed
There was never, however, the slightest idea
that he contemplated suicide.
DR.. Guernsey was graduated from New-York
University, and after securing his degree went
10 Vienna and Berlin, where he completed his
studies. He married, twenty-five years ago, Miss
Hageman of Bergen. Norway. She survives
him. Or. Guernsey had large and lucrative
practice. and was widely known hOmoeo-
pathic physician. He was a member of the
Union League and Barnard clubs.
II said by friend of Or. Guernsey yes
terday that he had worried over the death of
patient, a woman who belonged To we'll known
family Her death occurred several weeks ago,
and since then 1t is said he had expressed the
fear that he did not prescribe for her as he
should have done. Other physicians who knew
about the told him that he did exactly
right. but the case seemed to weigh on his mind.
He frequently referred to il.
DR.. Guernsey's body was taken to his home
at $40 o'clock last night by James F. Ennis, an
undertaken, of No. 3, 100 Third-ave. Mr.. Ennis
said the coroner for The Bronx had given him
burial permit and that no autopsy would be
held.
brother-in-law of DR.. Guernsey, gave out a state
ment last night in which they said:
With reference to the sad death of DR. Guernsey.
the family wish TO state that the rumors which
have been published purporting TO give reasons for
of the that Or. Guernsey had felt the
effects of overwork and grip but that he had never
desire to terminate his existence. That the de-
ceased had in his pocket any poison or posions Is
physicians and is no evidence of suicide